Photo Flash: Contra Costa Civic Theatre's CHICAGO

"A story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery - all the things we hold near and dear to our hearts." And so begins Chicago. Created by John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Chicago nabbed 10 Tony nominations when it opened on Broadway in 1975 and won six awards for its' 1996 revival. The movie adaptation was honored with six Academy Awards, including Best Picture in 2003.

Roxie Hart is a chorus girl in the 1920's who dreams of becoming a Vaudeville star. Her dream is threatened when she murders her lover. She convinces her husband Amos that he was a burglar and Amos happily and heroically takes the blame until the police discover the truth and send Roxie to the women's block of Cook County jail, presided over by the corrupt "Mama" Morton. Roxie manages to hire the slickest defense lawyer in Chicago, Billy Flynn, and suddenly becomes the celebrity criminal of the moment - a title once held by fellow inmate Velma Kelly. And the battle for the limelight begins...

Chicago includes the memorable "All That Jazz", "When You're Good to Mama", "Razzle Dazzle", "Cell Block Tango" and one show stopping song after another. The show runs through October 16.

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