Opened in 1921
219 W. 49th Street
New York, NY
Monday - Saturday 10am - 8pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm (when there is a late performance, the box office stays open until curtain.)
Built in 1921 by the Shuberts, the Ambassador Theatre opened with the musical The Rose Girl. The Shuberts eventually sold the property, and it was used as a movie theater, broadcast studio for CBS, and a live theater before the Shuberts bought it again in 1956. It has been the home of the long-running hit revival of Chicago since 2003.
Reserve a spot using SpotHero: https://spothero.com
Restrooms are located on the basement level.
Coat check is available.
Free Wi-Fi Available
To your left as you exit the main 49th Street entrance.
Lillie's Victorian Establishment, 249 W. 49th Street. For other restaurant recommendations, read our article on the Best Theater District Restaurants!
Now in its record breaking 27th year on Broadway, Chicago continues to razzle and dazzle audiences in New York and around the world.
Fading vaudeville star Velma Kelly is in prison for murdering her husband. Chicago’s best lawyer, Billy Flynn, is set to defend her until aspiring chorus girl Roxie Hart winds up in prison for killing her lover. He takes on both their cases and Roxie and Velma are thrown into a media circus of headlines, each vying for the spotlight, turning these murderesses into rivals in a fight against each other for fame and fortune.
Based on the 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins (in turn based on the real life 1924 murder trails of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner in the Chicago Tribune,) Chicago premiered on Broadway in 1975 with music and lyrics by John Kander & Fred Ebb, and Book, Choreography, and Direction from the legendary Bob Fosse.
The record-breaking revival which continues to run today opened in 1996 with direction by Walter Bobbie and Choreography by Anne Reinking (in the style of Bob Fosse) and is still receiving standing ovations even after playing over 10,500 performances. The casting of Chicago changes often, and many of your favorite stars regularly get cast for limited runs. Some recent actors who have graced the Ambassador Theatre stage include: Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules) as Roxie Hart, Jinkx Monsoon (RuPaul’s Drag Race, Little Shop of Horrors) in her Broadway debut as Matron “Mama” Morton, Pamela Anderson as Roxie Hart, and Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart (Aladdin) as Billy Flynn.
Visit the Ambassador Theatre to see why the name on everybody’s lips is still… CHICAGO.
In the Press:
"This production isn't smoke and mirrors. It's flesh and blood shaped by discipline and artistry into a parade of vital, pulsing talent…audiences will be exulting in that parade for many, many performances to come." - Ben Brantley for New York Times
“Ten thousand performances later, it’s still dazzling.” - Zachary Stewart for TheaterMania
FAQ
How can I get tickets to Chicago?
Tickets to the Broadway show Chicago can be purchased by phone at 212-239-6200, online at telecharge.com, in person at the Ambassador Theatre box office, or right here on this website! For group tickets of 10+ visit broadwayinbound.com
Did Chicago win any awards?
Yes! Chicago was nominated for 8 Tony Awards and won 6 Tony Awards for Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by a Leading Actor & Actress for James Naughton and Bebe Neuwirth respectively, Best Direction of a Musical for Walter Bobbie, Best Choreography for Ann Reinking, and Best Lighting Design for Ken Billington. The production also won 6 Drama Desk Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, and the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
What Subway stops are near the Ambassador Theatre?
1 Train at 50th Street
N, R, and W Trains at 49th Street
E, B and D on 7th ave and 53rd Street
As well as the following bus numbers: M20, M104, M50, M7
Is there parking nearby?
Parking is notoriously difficult in New York City, and Times Square is one of the most crowded areas. Luckily, Chicago does have a partnership with Laz Parking at their lots nearby the Ambassador Theatre on W 39th, W 45th, and W56th Streets for $25. You can also check out Icon Parking, Spothero, and Edison Parkfast for information on nearby spots and garages. And be prepared to pay $20-$30 hourly.
Is there a Chicago cast recording?
Yes! The Grammy Award winning Chicago cast recording can be found on CD & Vinyl here, or on streaming.
Where can I get Chicago show merch?
Check out Broadway Merchandise Shop for the official Chicago merch!
I don't live in New York City. Can I see Chicago in a city near me?
Yes! Chicago is currently on tour across the US, the UK, and Internationally!
Is There a Nearby Restaurant?
Yes! There are plenty of restaurants near the theatre, it is New York City after all! You can also get 10% off your dining experience when present your same-day Chicago at the following nearby restaurants: 48 Lounge, Ascent Lounge, Molyvos, and Iris.
What else should I know?
Chicago is the longest running American musical in Broadway history, and second longest running musical of all time behind Phantom of the Opera.
Chicago first premiered on Broadway in 1975 starring Gwen Verdon as Roxie Hart and Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly.
In May 1996, City Center Encores! in New York City presented a concert version of Chicago starring Ann Reinking as Roxie Hart, Bebe Neuwirth as Velma Kelly, James Naughton as Billy Flynn, Joel Grey as Amos Hart and Marcia Lewis as Matron “Mama” Morton. Over the past 27 years hundreds of actors have taken on the iconic roles.
Chicago was also adapted to the screen into 2003 Academy Award Winning film starring Renee Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta Jones as Velma Kelly (who won an Oscar for her performance,) and Queen Latifa as Matron Mama Morton.
Who Should See Chicago?
Chicago is recommended for ages 13 and over. This Broadway musical is beloved by everyone, from first time theater goers to musical theatre historians.
The best views will be in the center orchestra and front mezzanine, but there are very few bad seats in this theater.
1088 seats
Wheelchair accessible seating is located in the orchestra section. No steps to designated seating location. Note there are two small steps to reach the main entrance of the theater from the sidewalk. There is a side entrance with no steps, check with the Box Office when you arrive for assistance.
Yes
Listening devices available for every performance; audio description and closed captioning devices will be available beginning four weeks after the show's opening night. Before this date, live-caption via CART using a hand-held device can be requested with two weeks advance notice. Contact Shuebrt Audience Services at 212-944-3700 or audienceservices@shubertorg.com for more information.
When to arrive: Doors open roughly a half hour before showtime. Give yourself plenty of time to pick up tickets and find your seats. What to wear: Whatever makes you comfortable! Some people dress up for the theater, but there is no official dress code. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater.
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