‘Chicago’ returns to Manila for 2027 run at The Theatre at Solaire

MANILA — “Chicago The Musical” will return to Manila in March 2027, more than a decade after its previous Philippine run and 30 years after its Broadway revival.

GMG Productions, in association with Barry and Fran Weissler and David Ian, will stage the musical from March 9 to 28 at The Theatre at Solaire, the same venue where it opened in the Philippines in 2014.

The six-time Tony Award-winning musical has played more than 11,700 performances and has been seen by more than 35 million people in 38 countries and more than 525 cities, according to the production.

Carlos Candal, CEO of GMG Productions, said bringing the musical back to the same theater where it first opened in Manila gives the production added significance.

“‘Chicago’ is one of those extraordinary shows that never goes out of style. It’s sexy, sophisticated, provocative and wickedly funny,” Candal said, citing its music, Bob Fosse choreography and story about fame, ambition, scandal and celebrity.

“More than 12 years later, returning to the same stage feels like a real homecoming,” he added.

Producer Barry Weissler also recalled the musical’s 2014 Manila run, when it became the inaugural production at The Theatre at Solaire.

“It was such an honor to be chosen as the inaugural production at the grand opening of the Theatre at Solaire back in 2014, so for ‘Chicago’ to return to Manila next year and take that same stage again is a real homecoming,” Weissler said.

David Ian, co-producer of Crossroads Live, said the Manila engagement will be part of the musical’s 30th anniversary global tour.

“‘Chicago’ truly is the triple threat musical that combines the sensational choreography of Bob Fosse, with the master melodies of John Kander and satirical lyrics of Fred Ebb,” Ian said.

Set in 1920s Chicago, the musical follows Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who is arrested for murdering her lover. With the help of lawyer Billy Flynn, she attempts to turn her crime into a media spectacle while competing for the spotlight with fellow inmate and nightclub performer Velma Kelly.

The musical features a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, with songs including “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” “Razzle Dazzle” and “Nowadays.”

The Broadway revival was directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking. Its creative team included John Lee Beatty, William Ivey Long, Ken Billington and Ricke Clarke.

“Chicago” has won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival, as well as two Olivier Awards and a Grammy.

The Manila run will open with a UnionBank cardholder presale from October 12-15, with a 10% discount. A GMG Productions waitlist presale will follow on October 16, also with a 10% discount. General public ticket sales begin October 19 through TicketWorld.

The musical will run from March 9 to 28, 2027, at The Theatre at Solaire.