Vienna Volksoper: Chicago

Music: John Kander
Lyrics: Fred Ebb
Book: Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse
Premiere: 1975, Broadway (Revival: 1996)
Style: Musical Vaudeville

Chicago is a dazzling musical about ambition, fame, justice, and the power of media, set in the roaring 1920s.

After killing her lover, aspiring performer Roxie Hart finds herself in prison alongside the glamorous vaudeville star Velma Kelly, who is also awaiting trial for murder. Both women dream not only of freedom but of becoming celebrities in a society fascinated by scandal.

With the help of the charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn, who skillfully manipulates the press and public opinion, Roxie transforms from an unknown housewife into a sensational media star. As the courtroom becomes a stage and justice turns into entertainment, rivalry grows between Roxie and Velma as each fights for the spotlight.

In the end, the two women realize that fame is fleeting but show business always needs new stars. Joining forces, they launch a successful vaudeville act, proving that in a world driven by spectacle, performance can matter more than truth.

Essence / Das Wesentliche

Chicago is one of the world's most successful musicals, blending jazz, satire, spectacular choreography, and unforgettable songs. Featuring classics such as "All That Jazz," "Cell Block Tango," and "Razzle Dazzle," it offers a witty and timeless commentary on celebrity culture, media influence, ambition, and the blurred line between justice and entertainment.

The Volksoper Wien, or Vienna People's Opera, is one of Vienna's major opera houses. It's located in the 9th district and is renowned for its diverse programming that includes operas, operettas, musicals, and ballets. Founded in 1898 originally as a straightforward theatre, it has developed into a globally recognized venue for accessible performances of a wide range of musical theater genres.

The Volksoper is Vienna's leading house for operetta, the lighter, more accessible cousin of opera, often involving spoken dialogue alongside music. It serves as a complement to the more formal Wiener Staatsoper, offering performances that appeal to a broader audience, including children and families. The repertoire includes classics by composers such as Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár, and Emmerich Kálmán, alongside well-known operas and popular musicals.

The Volksoper also has a commitment to cultivating new talents and features performances by up-and-coming artists as well as established stars. With approximately 300 performances a year, it plays a pivotal role in Vienna's cultural scene, providing entertainment that is both high in quality and varied in style. This opera house is an integral part of Vienna's rich musical heritage, offering a more casual and inclusive approach to the performing arts.