Chicago: The musical is based on a play of the same name by a playwright and reporter who was assigned to cover the 1924 trials of accused murderers, Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner for the Chicago tribune. The musical won multiple academy awards in various categories. It has a memorable music soundtrack that is available on YouTube and Spotify. You can stream the film on Amazon Video and Apple Tv+.
The story is set in 1920s Chicago. It follows Roxie Hart a poor housewife with big dreams to be a showgirl. She murders her lover after he threatens to leave her. She tries to convince her husband to take the blame but it backfires. She is taken to jail where she meets Velma Kelly, a performer who is also on trial for murder. Velma used to being the center of the spotlight is threatened by Roxie’s sudden popularity.
Roxie hires Billy Flynn who turns her crime into a media sensation. They manipulate the press in their favor. Velma and Roxie compete for the fame, public sympathy and Billy’s legal help. Both women learn to play the system as the media frenzy grows. They are acquitted of their crimes but their fame fades quickly as a new scandal arise. Velma and Roxie team up to create a joint stage act to stay relevant. The musical ends with them performing together on stage celebrating their rise to stardom.
The musical highlights the public obsession with scandals and crime and their fleeting concentration on each topic. Fame is fleeting but the cooperation of the two women shot them to top performers. Main songs in the film are All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango and When You are Good to Mama.
