Robert Louis Fosse

Robert Louis Fosse, also known as Bob Fosse, was the mastermind behind Chicago the Musical. As the son of a vaudevillian, it was not shocking how artistic and talented Bob became. He was a singer, a dancer, a director, all leading to Broadway’s 2nd longest running musical: CHICAGO!

The History of Chicago

Fosse had a vision in mind for bringing the 1926 film to become a musical play. Chicago is a satire based on the corruption within the justice system and the idolization of “celebrity criminals.” Based on the stories of Belva Gaertner and Beulah Annan, Chicago showcases a prohibition-era in which over 100 women from a small metro area, murdered their boyfriends, lovers and husbands. Chicago hits closer to home than many realize, elaborating dissipation through tantilization and seduction.

Chicago the Musical Summary

The musical takes place in the Roaring Twenties, following the end of the World War I. Opening scene begins with Velma Kelly (portraying Belva Gaertner) murdering her husband and sister; finding them in an unwelcoming rendezvous within the Kelly household. Velma takes matters into her own hands and pulls the trigger on both, eventually leading to her arrest.

Roxie Hart (portraying Beulah Annan) murders her lover and states to her husband, Amos, that the dead man was a burglar. Roxie’s husband realizes that this is a lie leading to Roxie’s arrest and placed in Cook County Jail where she meets the other murderesses (including Velma Kelly). Here Roxie meets Mama Morton, a corrupt matron that acts as Velma’s publicist (for money) helping Velma’s name become more thrive in local media and newspapers. Velma becomes annoyed to find that Roxie steals her spotlight and her lawyer, Billy Flynn. Billy Flynn claims he wants to be her lawyer and loves her. As her lawyer, he gives the media twist and turns of Roxie’s story and they are eating it up.

Roxie begs Amos to pay for Billy Flynn as her lawyer which he agrees to. Roxie takes it to the next level in the midst of all of this, announcing her pregnancy to win over the hearts of the jury. With Billy Flynn’s skills, the verdict on Roxie’s case turns out to be “Not Guilty”. Roxie’s spotlight and reign are over. The press vanishes and Billy Flynn admits he was in it for the money and never loved her. Roxie later admits to her husband that her pregnancy was fake, in turn, Amos leaves her. She’s left by herself, a woman that once had it all, left with absolutely nothing.

Chicago the Musical News

Chicago has run for a total of 24 continuous years to carry on strength through their well-known cast and guest stars. More recently, Oscar award-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. has made his debut as Billy Flynn from October 5- November 18 only!

Hornblower New York and Chicago join forces

Hornblower Cruises and Events is pleased to announce that there will be a guest performer on Broadway Cruises on select dates. Guest performers will be singing Mama Morton’s, “When You’re Good to Mama.” Donna Marie Asbury will portray Mama Morton on Friday, October 19, 2018. Naomi C. Walley will takeover Mama Morton on Sunday, October 21 and Sunday, October 28. Tickets include a plated dinner, spectacular performances from all of your favorite Broadway plays, the special guest performance followed by an autograph session and meet & greet.

See below for schedule.

Schedule:
October 19, October 21, October 28
Boarding | 6:30pm- 7:00pm
Cruising | 7:00pm- 10:00pm

For more information please visit https://hornblowernewyork.com/cruises/broadway-show-dinner-cruise/ or call (646) 403-3955.

See you all there!

-The Hornblower NY Family