'Chicago' Revival Celebrates 25th Anniversary On Broadway
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A big celebration took place Tuesday on Broadway, marking the 25th anniversary of a much loved musical.
"Chicago" was a hot ticket when it opened in 1996. It went on to win six Tony Awards, and 25 years later, it still sizzles. Tuesday night's red carpet excitement was proof that the long-running Broadway musical is timeless.
As CBS2's Jessica Layton reports, 25 years of razzle dazzle on stage was celebrated in big style.
Current stars strutted on the red carpet, donning the glitz and the glamour of the roaring '20s.
"It's just a dream I never imagined when I embarked on this journey 20 years ago," said actress Bianca Marroquin, who currently plays Velma Kelly.
Fans, meanwhile, hoped for a glimpse of some of the cast members from 25 years ago.
Joel Grey was the original Amos Hart.
"I had no idea there was all this excitement," he said. "It was such a great experience in the first place. It was just, it was not supposed to be what it became."
It became the longest running American musical in Broadway history. Its revival was a great date night for couples like actor Michael Emerson and actress Carrie Preston.
"We saw the original production so it's really fun to come back 25 years, see a whole new cast coming in," Preston said. "Just celebrating theatre. We're just so happy that theatre is back."
Fans flocked to the special anniversary event.
"It's awesome. This is my first show on Broadway," said
"We haven't been to New York in two years before COVID started, so it just feels good to be back," said Donna Wink, of Edison, New Jersey.
The Brooklyn United Marching Band kicked off the celebrations, blasting their instruments from the red steps in Times Square to a celebration at the Ambassador Theatre.
Those celebrating the legendary show marveled at the magic of theater surviving the pandemic, but there were also losses. The show's beloved choreographer, Ann Reinking, passed away last year.
"What kind of memories does this bring back for you tonight?" Layton asked actress Bebe Neuwirth, who played Velma Kelly in 1996.
"It's a lot because we lost Annie," Neuwirth said.
Reinking's absence was felt by both former and current cast members.
WATCH: 'Chicago' Actor James Naughton On What Makes Show So Special
Bittersweet as it may be, James Naughton, who played Billy Flynn, will tell you this show is a gift for those who took the stage in 1996 and every single person who has had the joy of all that jazz ever since.
"This will be my first night in a Broadway theater and I hope that there will be many more," he said.
CBS2's Jessica Layton contributed to this report.
