Chicago Returns to the Forrest Theatre with a deep history

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's been 17 years, but this week, the Tony award-winning Broadway smash hit Chicago is coming home to Philadelphia.

Yes: home!

It's returning to the Forrest Theatre, which hosted Chicago's pre-Broadway run before the show opened in New York in 1975.

"I tell the kids all the time: 'The lineage of this show, just to be a part of it, I'm so honored,'" says Gregory Butler, the associate choreographer for Broadway's six-time Tony award-winning musical Chicago.

The kids he's referring to are the latest cast members taking Chicago on the road in the touring production that's shimmy-shaking its way back to Philadelphia.

"I auditioned people all over the world for this show," says Butler. "It is known by every dancer."

Chicago is the #1 longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

It's a 1920s Jazz Age tale of fame and fortune, murder and corruption.

It features iconic Bob Fosse choreography, carried on by the great Ann Reinking, and now by Butler.

He was here at the Forrest Theater in 1975 for the show's pre-Broadway run.

It came here first before it opened in New York City.

"This is full circle," Butler says. "I love that it's coming right back to the same place."

Chicago returns to the Forrest Theatre May 12 - 17.

details:

https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/series-and-subscriptions/broadway-series/chicago