“Chicago” Continues through August 12

The Tony Award-winning, razzle-dazzle hit musical Chicago is currently on stage at Peninsula Players Theatre until Aug. 12. This electrifying musical with book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Fred Ebb is based on the play Chicago by Maurine Dallas Watkins, who based her play on actual events in 1920s Chicago.

As a columnist for the Chicago Tribune in 1924, Watkins covered the trials of two women, both of whom were accused of killing their lovers while under the influence of drink and jazz. Belva Gaertner became Velma Kelly and Beulah Annan became Roxie Hart in Watkins’ play.

Watkins described the two “jazz babies” in her columns as “most stylish” and “prettiest” women on Murderesses’ Row. Both women became infamous in their time because of the media attention, and were acquitted by all-male juries who were sympathetic to their plight and charms.

Watkins took the two stories and wrote the play Chicago, which opened on Broadway in 1926. The tour of the play included a yet-unknown Clark Gable playing Amos Hart.

Peninsula Players performs Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7:30 pm, except for a 4 pm matinee Aug. 12. Ticket prices range from $36 to $42; discount tickets are available for groups of 15 or more.

For more information or to reserve tickets, call 920.868.3287 or visit http://www.peninsulaplayers.com.