Chicago to tour South Africa in 2019

The multi-talented all-South African touring cast, band, and crew begin rehearsals in Johannesburg ahead of an international tour to New Zealand and China.

Originally staged in Cape Town and Johannesburg in 2005 and in 2008 at Montecasino’s Teatro and Artscape, this show has been enjoyed by more than 210,000 theatre-goers. Reviewers and critics alike raved about the show. “This musical is hot with a capital ‘H’. It’s so sexy that it sets temperatures soaring – even on a chilly night!” said The Citizen while The Tonight called the show “A class act all the way…Chicago is impeccable, irresistible, unmissable” and Artslink simply summed up the show as a “A hot, hot ticket.”

After 11 years, this smash hit musical returns to these venues bringing back one of this country’s most successful theatre productions. Back for the show are leads Samantha Peo and Ilse Klink as well as Craig Urbani who reprises the role of the devious lawyer Billy Flynn in South Africa while Jonathan Roxmouth plays this role in New Zealand and China. Also returning to the show is KJ Haupt with Carmen Pretorius and Grant Towers will be joining the company in principal roles. Ensemble members from Chicago’s  2005 and 2008 seasons, also returning to the show are husband and wife, Ferdi Gernandt and Diani Gernandt and Tandi Gavin as the Hungarian murderess Hunyak.  The remainder of the Chicago ensemble features Lesego van Niekerk, Raquel Munn, Natasha van der Merwe, Brittané van Loggerenberg, Jenna Child, Alexandra Girard, Jarryd Nurden, Michael Fullard, Hugo Madeleyn, Craig Arnolds, Thamsanqa Njoko, Sibusiso Mxosana, Darren Greef, and Stephan van der Walt.

Produced by Showtime Management in association with Barry & Fran Weissler and David Ian, Chicago has a combined South African and international creative team including associate director Tania Nardini and re-creation of New York production choreography by Gary Chryst, both of whom have staged Chicago across multiple continents. Award-winning musical director Bryan Schimmel will lead the 11-piece orchestra and the ensemble will once again razzle-dazzle South African audiences.

“We are delighted to have most of the original company for our return, and I believe the tremendous talents of each and every member in the company will take this all-South African production to even greater heights in 2019.” says Hazel Feldman, Chicago’s SA producer. “From its unique choreography in the style of Bob Fosse to its sizzling score and intriguing plot performed by some of this country’s most talented performers makes it one show not to be missed.”

Chicago was first created by the legendary Broadway trio of John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (book/lyrics) and Bob Fosse (co-author, original director and choreographer) in 1975, and was based on a 1926 Broadway play written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a journalist from the Chicago Tribune who had covered the sensational trials of two women, both of whom were accused of killing their lovers whilst under the influence of drink and jazz.

Tickets are available via Computicket