New York City’s immersive attraction RiseNY hosted a Playbill Torch Song series concert November 6, marking the beginning of the celebrations of Chicago's nearly three decades on Broadway.
Current cast members Sophie Carmen-Jones, Rachel Schur, and Nakiya Peterkin performed thrilling renditions of such John Kander and Fred Ebb classics as “My Own Best Friend” and “When You’re Good to Mama” live from RiseNY’s torch balcony overlooking 45th Street.
Watch the entire performance, hosted by New York City icon and activist Marti Gould Cummings, in the video below.
“We are so thrilled to partner with Chicago The Musical and celebrate this iconic show’s legacy on Broadway,” said Evan Storey, senior producer for RiseNY, in a statement. “Shows like that really shaped Broadway, and we are so excited to be able to share this performance and partnership with our visitors!”
RiseNY’s Playbill Torch Song series, each featuring a different Broadway musical and performers, takes place on RiseNY’s torch balcony, where audiences can enjoy the performances free of charge. For more information and future performance announcements, follow RiseNY on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
RiseNY, which takes guests on an immersive journey through New York City’s past, present, and future, combines museum-style galleries with a soaring 4D flyover ride. The three-part experience connects visitors to the city’s most iconic moments in film, fashion, finance, music, Broadway, and more.
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 November 14, 1996, where it remained
through February 1997. The musical transferred to the Shubert Theatre,
and played that house through January 26, 2003. The revival reopened at
the Ambassador Theatre January 29 that year. Since its debut in 1996, Chicago has played in 36 countries
and been seen by 33 million people worldwide. It is now the
second-longest running show in Broadway history (after the recently
closed The Phantom of the Opera).
The hit revival, produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, 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 Ann Reinking. The original production was directed and choreographed by the late Bob Fosse.
On November 17 at 9:15 PM, a special curtain call will take place at Broadway's Ambassador Theatre to celebrate the musical's 29th year.
