Chicago is a 1975 Broadway musical and 2000 film adaptation set in 1920s Chicago. It tells the story of two murderesses, Roxy Hart and Velma Kelly, who find fame through the publicity of their crimes. Roxy kills her lover and is sent to prison, where she meets Velma. There, they form a double act and become famous vaudeville stars with the help of lawyer Billy Flynn. The musical explores themes of corruption, exploitation, and the fleeting nature of fame in show business. It features Fosse's signature dark and stylized choreography, including actions like finger clicks and work with hats and canes.

1. Chicago (1975 BROADWAY /2000 FILM)
KEY FACTS
MUSIC: John Kander LYRICS: Fred Ebb
BOOK:…………………………………..DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER: Fosse
BASIS:……………………………………………………….
NARRATIVE:
Takes place in the20’s.
Vaudeville.
Roxy Kills someone and she goes to prison, Amus hires a lawyer- Billy Flyn. Velma
also wanted the spot light (like Roxy).
Roxy meets Velma in prison and they become a team and became a double act.
MAIN CHARACTERS:
Billy Flyn.
Roxy Hart.
Amus.
Matron Mama Morton.
Marry Sunshire.
Velma Kelly.
THEMES:
Show business- a show within a show.
Relates to Fosse’s background of night clubs, the Burlesque style.
Death.
Love.
Law.
Court.
FORM/STYLE/STRUCTURE:
Musical Vaudeville.
What happens real life reflects on Vaudeville- realism.
Dark musical
Corruption and exploitation.
Fosse’s favourite show business.
Chicago a metaphor for what’s happening.
KEY SCENES:
All That Jazz, introduces Velma Kelly, introduces the theme of murder and death.
Razzle Dazzle- court room Billy Flyn.
1970’s there was no justice- they had already made their choice before they had
even got into the court room.

2. DANCE & MUSIC STYLES:
Common Fosse styles- The Rake, The Stack, The Drip, The Crane, Linkage and
Steam Heat.
He also liked to use hats and canes within his work.
Fosse also included small gestures such as finger clicks often.
Fosse loved his sound effects!!
He preferred to work with a small ensemble of dancers.
In the photograph below there are a few of Fosse’s key actions that I have previously
mentioned within his motifs: