Chicago the Musical
Owing to popular demand, ‘Chicago – The Musical’ is back on the South African stage.
By Staff Reporter
The world-famous musical Chicago is now showing at The Teatro at Montecasino, bringing its signature glamour, jazz, and sharp storytelling to South African audiences. On Sunday night, the theatre was alive with the sounds of brass, sultry vocals, and the unmistakable energy of one of Broadway’s longest-running shows.
The production is sleek, polished, and true to the spirit of Bob Fosse’s original choreography. From the first number, the cast held the audience in the palm of their hands. What stood out most was the band, not hidden away in the orchestra pit as usual, but right on stage. This added a raw and exciting dimension, blending live music seamlessly into the drama and dance.
The crowd responded with thunderous applause after nearly every number, proof that Chicago still has the power to captivate more than 25 years after it first opened on Broadway. Numbers like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango” carried the same punch audiences expect, while the South African cast brought their own flair to the show’s biting humour and dark wit.
For some, the performance was more than just a night at the theatre; it was a special journey. One audience member, Cassie Rae Goswell, a music teacher from Durban, travelled alone to Johannesburg just to see the show.
“I drove all the way from Durban to come and watch this tonight, and it was absolutely fabulous. I think you could definitely say it was all that jazz,” she said with a laugh. “Having the band on stage was just such a unique experience. The choreography was phenomenal, the performances were wonderful, and the singers were just superb. It was just the best ever.”
Goswell explained that attending Chicago was a personal gift to herself.
“I love musicals — I’m a music teacher in KZN. This was my birthday present, a little solo trip from my family. I came by myself, and it was just such an amazing experience,” she added.
Her excitement mirrored the mood of the evening, as many audience members walked out humming the tunes and chatting animatedly about the performances.
Theatre lovers know that Chicago is more than just glitz. Set in the roaring 1920s, it tells the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two women who use charm, wit, and media spectacle to fight for fame and freedom after being accused of murder. The satire on celebrity culture, corruption, and ambition remains remarkably resonant today.
While the show is already decades old, the Montecasino staging proved that the themes are timeless. The sparse but striking stage design, coupled with the onstage band, kept the focus firmly on the performers. It was a reminder of what theatre can achieve without excess: pure talent, tight choreography, and storytelling that lingers long after the curtain falls.
For South African audiences, productions like Chicago are not only entertainment but also a chance to connect with world-class theatre without leaving the country. And judging by Sunday’s crowd, this production has found its mark.
Chicago the Musical continues its run at The Teatro Montecasino, Fourways, till 16 November 2025, promising more nights of razzle-dazzle for local and visiting theatre fans alike.
