This milestone has only been achieved twice before in Broadway history: by Cats (which closed in its 18th year after 7,485 performances) and The Phantom of the Opera (now in its 26th year).
"What a joy it is to know that Chicago continues to make such an indelible mark in the annals of Broadway history," said producer Barry Weissler in a statement. "This upcoming 7,000th performance is yet another wonderful moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact that our show has made over the past 17 years. When I think of the countless people who've helped to make Chicago succeed so magnificently since 1996 -- actors, musicians, stage crew, ushers, box office attendants, managers, dance captains, casting directors, marketing and advertising teams -- I feel truly inspired and endlessly thankful for all of their amazing talents and contributions. And I look forward to continuing the journey for thousands more performances to come!"
The cast is currently headed by Bianca Marroquin as Roxie Hart, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, Ryan Silverman as Billy Flynn, Paul C. Vogt as Amos Hart, Roz Ryan as Matron "Mama" Morton and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine.
The ensemble includes Donna Marie Asbury, Nicole Bridgewater, Jennifer Dunne, Anne Horak, David Kent, J. Loeffelholz, Nathan Madden, Sharon Moore, Brian O'Brien, Denny Paschall, Stephanie Pope, Angel Reda, Jason Patrick Sands, Brian Spitulnik, Tonya Wathen, Amos Wolff, Ryan Worsing and Adam Zotovich.
The revival of Chicago began life as one of the three annual Encores! presentations offered by City Center. The musical opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in November 1996 where it remained through February 1997. The musical transferred to the Shubert Theatre on Feb. 11, 1997, and played that house through Jan. 26, 2003. The revival reopened at the Ambassador Theatre, its current home, on Jan. 29, 2003. Chicago won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 1997 as well as awards for actors Bebe Neuwirth and James Naughton, director Walter Bobbie, lighting designer Ken Billington and choreographer Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.
The Ambassador Theatre is located at 219 W. 49th Street.
Visit ChicagoTheMusical.com for more information.
