From December 12 to 15, the original Broadway production of Chicago staged six performances at the Ningbo Grand Theatre, delivering a year-end art feast for local musical enthusiasts.

With its catchy jazz tunes, sultry dance moves, powerful vocals, and sharp humor, the 140-minute performance (including a 20-minute intermission) showcased the exceptional professionalism and dedication of the entire cast. The opening night immersed audiences in the iconic Broadway style—vibrant scenes, sizzling choreography, and captivating music.

The exceptional musical is hailed as “the kind of show that doubles your happiness”. Meanwhile, it has spawned audiences’ eagerness to re-watch it in the hope of uncovering fresh insights.

Chicago stands undeniably as a crowning achievement of world-renowned Broadway musicals. The jazz musical masterpiece has been staged for nearly a half century, amassing over 35,000 shows across 38 countries and more than 525 cities, with a total audience exceeding 34 million. It remains the longest-running American musical in the history of both New York’s Broadway and London’s West End.

Inspired by true events from 1920s Chicago, the production revolves around Roxie Hart, a housewife, and Velma Kelly, a vaudeville performer, who find themselves in prison on murder charges. With the help of the slickster lawyer Billy Flynn, both manage to escape conviction and rise to fame in an era hungry for sensational headlines.

Featuring dazzling jazz numbers and tango performances, the show also delivers a biting satire of societal values of the time, establishing itself as a work of both artistic and social significance.

1975 witnessed the premiere of Chicago directed by Broadway legend Bob Fosse. In 1996, its stripped-down revival on Broadway captivated audiences and garnered six Tony Awards, five Drama Desk Awards and a Grammy. The London revival won two Olivier Awards in 1997 and the film adaptation earned six Oscars in 2003, further cementing Chicago as a cultural phenomenon.

Its China tour includes 74 performances across 11 cities. To ensure top-tier stage quality, all sets, lighting, and sound equipment were meticulously designed, transported, and installed under international supervision. The technical team even visited theaters across China six months in advance to confirm that local venues could meet the production’s rigorous requirements. All these efforts reflect an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Throughout this Chinese tour, the cast members of Chicago fostered a strong connection with fans by sharing their experiences through Chinese social media and international platforms such as Instagram.

Leading to the opening performance in Ningbo on December 12, Sarah Soetaert (Roxie Hart) and Michelle Antrobus (Velma Kelly) attended a fan meet-and-greet in the theater lobby, where they expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from Chinese fans.

Sarah shared her pleasant surprise for the support and warmth she felt in China, while Michelle highlighted the universal appeal of Chicago. “It’s an incredible show,” she said. “No matter where it stages, the excitement transmits across cultures and borders.”

Actually, this wasn’t their first visit to Ningbo in 2024. Earlier in November, the two leading ladies stopped by for a promotional tour. Sarah noted that she was struck by the city’s beauty, particularly its rivers and architecture; Michelle described Ningbo as “a city full of surprises.”

As part of their Ningbo tour, the cast engaged in various activities, including live renditions of iconic songs and dances at commercial hubs, allowing more people to experience the charm of the musical theater up close. They also filmed promotional content at local landmarks to showcase the city.

The Ningbo Grand Theatre enhanced the Chicago experience with themed installations, merchandise, stamp collections, autograph sessions, and backstage tours, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans.

The musical’s enduring appeal and its impeccable production quality made its Ningbo performances truly unforgettable, leaving a lasting impact that underscored the city’s burgeoning appetite for world-class cultural experiences.