Chicago Breaks Its Own Broadway Record with Highest-Grossing Week
In an exhilarating turn of events, the Broadway production of Chicago has made history by earning its highest-grossing non-holiday performance week, breaking its own record after 27 years on stage. The musical, now featuring Ariana Madix as its lead, achieved this remarkable feat during the week of January 29 to February 4, 2024, according to Broadway World.
Throughout this extraordinary week and the start of Ariana Madix's two-month run, Chicago raked in a staggering $939,177.40, surpassing its previous record of $926,363.35 set during the week of March 20-26, 2023.
Ariana Madix, who rose to fame on the reality show Vanderpump Rules, made her debut on the Broadway stage on January 29 as the charismatic Roxie Hart. Her limited engagement runs for eight weeks and comes to an end on March 24.
Following Broadway World's announcement of the record-breaking numbers on Instagram, Madix expressed her joy and gratitude for the production's achievement. She commented, 'WHAT?!?!!!??!!! OMG!!! thank you so much to everyone who came and saw all of us give our best razzle dazzle! 😍😍😮😮.'
Alongside Madix, the current cast of Chicago features Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, Max von Essen as Billy Flynn, Lili Thomas as Matron 'Mama' Morton, Red Concepción as Amos Hart, and J. London as Mary Sunshine.
During an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, Madix shared her elation at joining the production, calling it a 'biggest dream come true.' She expressed her disbelief, saying, 'I cannot believe this is real life. I'm going to cry.' Madix pursued her passion for musical theatre, having studied the subject at Flagler College before moving to New York City to chase her Broadway dream.
Chicago, based on a book by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, is known as Broadway's longest-running American musical to date. The show's revival won six Tony Awards in 1997 and has captivated audiences with its iconic songs like 'All That Jazz,' 'The Cell-Block Tango,' 'When You're Good to Momma,' and 'Razzle Dazzle.' The musical also served as the inspiration for the Academy Award-winning 2002 film, starring Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Notably, Ariana Madix follows in the footsteps of other Bravo stars who have showcased their talents in Chicago. These include Erika Girardi and Lisa Rinna from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, as well as Kandi Burrus and NeNe Leakes from The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
If you're eager to witness this record-breaking production firsthand, tickets for Chicago are now available for purchase on the show's official website, chicagothemusical.com.
As of now, representatives for Chicago have not responded to PEOPLE's request for more information. Keep an eye out for updates as the musical continues to amaze audiences and set new milestones on the Great White Way.
