Sexy Is Back! The killer hit musical Chicago razzle dazzles Johannesbirg!
Audiences are falling in love with Roxie and Velma all over again!
All Johannesburg audiences think about is love – their love for CHICAGO! CHICAGO The Musical, presented by Showtime Management in association with Barry & Fran Weissler, has lit up Montecasino’s Teatro at the beginning of its Gauteng run – so much so that the season has already been extended by a week to (must close 16 November).
Echoing the superb feedback from Cape Town critics and crowds, audiences at the Teatro have exuberantly praised this production of CHICAGO. Bruce Dennill of pARTicipate noted: “Chicago 2025 confirms that South Africa has – still, and again – a group of performers capable of creating a world-class production.” The review on The Vibe called CHICAGO The Musical, “…the theatrical event of 2025.” Stage and Screen enjoyed every moment, saying, “From start to finish, it’s a slick, stylish reminder of why this show remains one of the most enduring musicals of all time.” Ralf Schmitt, founder and conductor of the internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir, gushed: “Wow, wow, wow! I can hardly express how much I enjoyed CHICAGO!” And award-winning singer Timothy Moloi, writing on his Facebook page, praised the show, saying, “Slick, sultry, and sensational – Chicago never misses a beat!”
“The name on everybody’s lips is going to be?” Leading local producer and promoter, Showtime Management is proud to announce the killer Chicago cast, featuring principal performers Kiruna-Lind Devar (Evita, MAMMA MIA!, Phantom of the Opera World Tour) as chorus girl turned murderess, Roxie Hart; Samantha Peo (The Adams Family, Strictly Come Dancing, CHICAGO world Tour 2018 & 2019) reprises the iconic role of Velma Kelly, the famous Vaudeville performer and fellow murderess; both jailbirds are under the watchful eye of the tough but savvy Matron Mama Morton, played by Tankiso Mamabolo (Nwabisa Plaatjie’s ‘Ziyana’, Don’t Believe a Word I Say). The role of the slick, charismatic yet devious lawyer Billy Flynn is reprised by Jonathan Roxmouth (Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Grease) who played this character in the New Zealand leg during the 2018/2019 Chicago World Tour. The role of Roxie’s simple, loving husband Amos Hart is played by Dean de Klerk (Kinky Boots, Rent, The Sound of Music) and M.E. Marvey is the upbeat reporter, Mary Sunshine.
These alluring leads are supported by returning ensemble members from Chicago’s 2018/2019 season are Lesego van Niekerk, Jenna Robinson Child, Alexandra Girard, Ferdinand W Gernandt, Michael Fullard, Dirk Joubert and Hugo Madeleyn. New faces include Chicago ensemble features Angelica Hattingh, Ashley Scott, Bronwyn Craddock, Leah Mari, Nicolette Fernandes, Johan Dippenaar, Jonathan Raath, Kent Jeycocke and Nkosinathi Mazwai.
Produced by Showtime Management in association with Barry & Fran Weissler, Chicago has a combined South African and international creative team including Associate Director, Tânia Nardini and re-creation of New York production choreography by Gary Chryst, both of whom have staged Chicago across multiple continents. Award-winning South African Musical Director, Kevin Kraak (The Lion King, Chicago, My Fair Lady) will lead the 11-piece orchestra and the sexy, stylish ensemble will once again razzle-dazzle South African audiences. This great musical is simply … Broadway at its best.
Hazel Feldman of Showtime Management says:
“This is a show that just keeps on making audiences happy. We were thrilled with the response in Cape Town, and now Johannesburg is really coming to the party. Fame, ambition, corruption and murder are always going to be compelling subjects, and in Chicago, our world-class cast really lifts this enduring story to a new level. You’ll love it if you haven’t seen it, and you’ll get to see new performers and our brilliant band if you’re coming back for more!”
It’s no surprise that this devilishly delicious musical has brought cheering audiences to their feet all around the world. From Australia to Argentina and from Spain to South Africa, more than 34 million people have seen Chicago, which has played over 35 000 performances worldwide across 38 countries in more than 525 cities.
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. In November 1996 a revival of Chicago opened on Broadway, produced by Barry & Fran Weissler, and a year later they opened the show in London’s West End. The rest, as they say, is history, as Chicago is currently playing its 28th year in New York, where it holds the record as the longest-running musical revival and the second longest-running musical in Broadway history.
You don’t even need to be a musical theatre fan to recognise and love the catchy jazz-infused songs like “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango” and “Razzle Dazzle,” with arrangements and lyrics designed to build the story’s energy and sharp satire, and to provide the soundtrack for the movements of gorgeous dancers. Chicago is a bold commentary on the pursuit of celebrity and the extreme lengths people will go to for attention and success, no matter the cost – themes that still ring true today!
Chicago continues to be one of the most successful international musical hits of all time. Chicago’s international appeal stems from its enticing tale of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery – characteristics the entire world is drawn to.
Winner of six Tonys, two Oliviers, one Grammy, two Baftas and six Academy Awards, Chicago is the longest-running musical revival in Broadway history.
Show Information:
Johannesburg: Teatro, Montecasino
03 October to 16 November 2025
Performances:
Weekdays:
Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, Fridays at 19h30
Weekends:
Saturdays 15h00, 19h30; Sundays 14h00, 18h00
Sunday, 31 August and Sunday, 5 October: 17h00
Special Public Holiday (Cape Town):
Wednesday, 24 September: 14h30 & 19h30
Ticket Prices:
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 6pm R480, R380, R280 & R250 (including VAT)
Friday, Saturday both shows & Sunday 2pm: R580, R480, R380 & R280 (including VAT)
Terrific Tuesdays Only valid for Tuesday performances:
R400, R300, R250 & R200 (including VAT)
Not valid with any other discount offer.
Bookings:
Showtime or Ticketmaster
Group Bookings:
20% Discount on groups of 20 and more
Wednesday, Thursday 8 pm and Sunday 6pm performances only valid for the top two prices.
Contact Jill Somers office hours only, 9am to 5pm on 079 218 1658, sales@showtime.co.za
Age Restriction:
Parental guidance advised owing to strong adult themes and profanity.
Recommended for children 10 years and over. No children under 4 years permitted
Connect with Chicago – The Musical on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Hashtag: #ChicagoSA
Connect with Showtime Management on social media:
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Connect with Montecasino on social media:
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