Whether you’re into theatre or not, Chicago is the must-see spectacle of the summer. Broadway’s longest-running American musical is coming to Malta with a stellar cast and bringing the heat, in a story of anger, greed, jealousy, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery.

Here are five reasons why this production is the ultimate experience that you should enjoy with your friends.

1. Sexy and sultry with a rich story and relatable characters

This is one of the sexiest musicals to ever be written and choreographed with catchy music and timeless lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and a funny, intelligent, and utterly engaging book by Kander and Bob Fosse. Yet Chicago is a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice, and the media machine.

Set in 1920s Chicago and based on real-life murders and trials, Chicago follows Roxie Hart, a wannabe vaudevillian star who murders her lover and is arrested, despite her attempts to convince her pushover husband, Amos, to lie for her. In the Cook County Jail, Roxie meets her hero, the famed double-murderess and nightclub performer Velma Kelly. When both acquire the same lawyer, the greedy and lustful superstar, Billy Flynn, tensions come to a head as they vie for the spotlight - though instead of onstage, they’re mugging for the flashbulb of the newspaper reporters. We somehow all identify with the characters’ wants and desires, but also with their vulnerability.

2. A feast for the eyes and ears with a stellar cast

The whole performance is a feast for the eyes. In the words of Billy Flynn, “Give ‘em a show that’s so splendiferous…” and that’s exactly what Chicago will be. With a magnificently grandiose stage, incredible lighting, dazzling costumes on a truly stunning cast, incredible voices and choreographies, and catchy tunes from the live band, you’re bound to be lost in the magic and splendour of live theatre.

All this comes to life through seasoned performers such as Chrissy Xuereb Warrington as Roxie, Francesca Scerri as Velma Kelly, Mikhail Basmadjian as Billy Flynn, Neville Refalo as Amos, Harley Mallia as Matron Mama Morton and Karl Bartolo as Mary Sunshine. Produced by Arthaus, directed by Lucienne Camilleri, and under the musical direction of Ryan Paul Abela.

3. Music that everyone knows and loves and can sing along to 

If you haven’t watched the Broadway or West End show, you’ve probably watched the 2002, Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones hit movie and tried to copy some dance moves whilst singing along to “He had it comin’…” and “All that jazz”. Get ready to belt those notes out one more time along with the performers, as you won’t be able to hold back or keep your feet still. We can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be sexily strutting your way out of the venue after the show.

4. A cool venue and ample parking in the heart of St Julians

Parking is always a headache, and dealing with the summer heat is also off-putting when planning a night out. Chicago however, is taking place at the Hilton’s Grandmaster Suite so you can easily park, and although the hall will be fresh and cool, we cannot guarantee that you will be, as the performers will be truly on fire throughout the performance.

Of course, being in the heart of entertainment central, you can easily head off to one of the bars or restaurants or even hit the clubs after the show, for the ultimate night out. You might even be inspired to show off some newly acquired dance moves.

5. The ultimate, unforgettable cabaret experience

Chicago is the ultimate cabaret experience from the music to the dancing. However, what makes a true cabaret is the possibility of enjoying a little booze and nibbles whilst interacting with the performers. Arthaus and Hilton Malta are offering this possibility through VIP tickets. If you feel like a little splurge and spoiling yourself, the VIP tables will offer a welcome drink and canape, a bottle of wine and water bottle per couple, together with a cold platter in the first act, a warm platter in the second act, and free parking. What’s more, you’ll be seated right by the stage, and the extended performance area, meaning it’s highly likely to find yourself surrounded by the performers.

An added bonus….

If you’re a feminist, there’s an extra reason why you should watch Chicago. Whilst the roaring 20s is known to be a male-dominated era, the women in this story fight tooth and nail and do whatever it takes to gain their freedom. We see this through the murderers who kill the men who abuse them and work the judicial system and the press to come out looking innocent, but we also see it through the prison ward. Mama Morton’s methods might be corrupt, but she does everything in her power to help and protect her girls, whilst manipulating the men around her.

Performances of Chicago will take place at The Hilton Grandmaster Suite at 8.30 pm on 28, 29, and 30 July 2023. This production is suitable for audiences aged thirteen and above. Tickets and more information are available via tickets.arthaus.mt or by email to [email protected].