Broadway’s Chicago coming to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Manila is in for a sensational 2014 year-end treat as Broadway’s award-winning smash hit musical Chicago hits the country for the first time in a strictly limited season beginning Dec. 2, setting the stage sinfully ablaze in the country’s newest theatrical luxury hotspot, The Theatre at Solaire.

Dubbed by The Times, UK as the “sharpest, slickest show on the block,” the iconic Broadway and West End blockbuster is presented in Manila by Visa and Smart Infinity, in cooperation with Solaire Resort and Casino. 

Featuring an all-star American cast coming directly from the US, Chicago’s very first Manila season is sure to ensnare hearts with its pulsating repertoire and timeless story of deception and cunning.

Forever changing the landscape of Broadway and the West End as a musical of legendary proportions, Chicago’s poignant and powerful music matches the dazzlingly slick choreography, all performed against a sharply sophisticated set. Audience’s imaginations are guaranteed to be captivated.

“Chicago is a very clever, sophisticated, sexy show,” says Lunchbox Theatrical Productions CEO James Cundall “and because of this it has managed to maintain its longevity and sensuality throughout its blockbuster productions all over the world. The proof is the fact that it is now the No. 1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history.”

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

With an irrepressibly thrilling book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, Chicago’s dazzling depiction of the scandalous decadence of the 1920s is vividly brought to life in an impeccable feast for the senses with stage direction by David Hyslop and choreography by David Bushman.

Time Magazine calls the show “a triumph,” Newsweek raves “smashing” and Entertainment Weekly sums it up by calling Chicago as “Broadway’s most electrifying show.”

Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, the original New York production was directed by Walter Bobbie and originally choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Fosse. Chicago features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, lighting design by Ken Billington and sound design by Scott Lehrer. The production also features orchestrations by Ralph Burns and supervising music direction by Rob Fisher.

Smart Infinity offers an exclusive package featuring two complimentary orchestra VIP tickets, the original cast album official soundtrack, plus a premium device for both new and renewing members. Existing Smart Infinity members also enjoy priority booking, plus 10 percent off on tickets purchased between Aug. 8 and Sept. 8 by calling the Smart Infinity Worldwide Concierge at (02) 687-8338.

Visa cardholders will also have exclusive access to the one-month priority booking. Cardholders can purchase their tickets today until Sept. 8 with a 10 percent discount.

Solaire Resort and Casino’s new luxuriously styled 1760-seat Lyric Theatre with the latest state-of-the-art technical and stage facilities, plush fittings and rich atmosphere will house world-class Broadway shows, as well as local and international concert artists, ballet acts, speaker series and more.

Chicago, which comes to Manila for the very first time, runs from Dec. 2 to 21 at The Theatre at Solaire. Presented in Manila by Visa and Smart Infinity, in cooperation with Solaire Resort and Casino, it is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises and Concertus Manila. Media partners include The STAR. Book your tickets now through TicketWorld. Call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. Ticket prices range from P7,500 to P 1,750. For details, check out www.chicagothemusical.com, www.facebook.com/ticketworldinc and www.facebook.com/ConcertusManila.