Nikki M. James, Katerina McCrimmon, Randy Graff, Jackie Hoffman Will Lead Chicago Reading

Maurine Dallas Watkins' play, the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical, will be directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge.

April 13, 2026 By Andrew Gans

Gingold Theatrical Group's Project Shaw series will continue May 18 with a reading of Maurine Dallas Watkins' 1926 play Chicago, the inspiration for the long-running musical of the same name.

Directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge, the 7 PM reading at the Players Club will feature Tony winner Nikki M. James (Little Shop of Horrors, The Book of Mormon) as Roxie Hart, Reg Rogers (Little Shop of Horrors) as Billy Flynn, Katerina McCrimmon (Bigfoot!, Funny Girl) as Velma Kelly, Arnie Burton (The Baker's Wife, The Imaginary Invalid) as Jake, David Ryan Smith (The Seat of Our Pants) as Amos Hart, Tony winner Randy Graff (City of Angels, Mr. Saturday Night) as Mary Sunshine, Jackie Hoffman (My First Ex-Husband, Hairspray) as Mrs. Morton, Richard B. Watson as The Sargeant Charles E. Murdock, Daniel Jenkins (About Time) as Martin S. Harrison, Troy Iwata (Be More Chill) as Babe, and Erin Maquire as Go-To-Hell Kitty.

The satirical comedy Chicago was inspired by real-life murder cases covered by journalist Watkins. The play follows two women accused of murder as they navigate both the legal system and the court of public opinion.

“Like so many of us, I became aware of this story through the musical,” says Gingold Artistic Director David Staller in a statement. “Finding the original source material became a personal quest after Gwen Verdon confessed to me that both she and Bob Fosse had, when kids, seen the 1942 film, Roxie Hart, and each individually resolved to make it into a musical! This 1926 play is actually far more overtly political, sardonic, and sexual than the musical adaptation! Don’t miss it!”

Inspired by the works of Shaw, Project Shaw aims to provoke peaceful discussion and activism through its annual readings.

Tickets are available by clicking here.