Sarah Toce
Max Cervantes as Billy Flynn and Ensemble in All I Care About. Photo: Jeremy Daniel
From the moment the lights dim and the opening strains of “All That Jazz” sweep through the auditorium, this production delivers that razzle-dazzle that has kept Chicago alive for decades. Set in the Jazz Age world of criminal fame, glamour and media spectacle, it reminds us how show business and justice can overlap in unsettling ways. Plus, it’s just fun to watch and sing along to – so there’s that.
The ensemble welcomes performers including Tim Canali, Genevieve Hall, Jared Houde, Jaiden Jones, Amy Knips, Lacey Kohn, Helena Laing, Michael Mottram, Chandler James Pettus, Jake Siffert, Anna Speer, Nick Traficante, plus returning ensemble members Terryn Cuozzo, Josh England, Serena Kozusko, Ryan McInnes, and Angelliz M. Rosado Ramos.
Music direction and orchestra: Music Director/Conductor Andy Chen; Associate Conductor Chase Anderson. The band comprises Erik Wakar, Jason Whitmore, Heather Kriesel, Matt TenBroek, Jordan Webb, Amanda Bateman, Landon Gaddis, Troy Bashor, Garrett Sullivan, and Aaron Kan.
The 5th Avenue Theatre (1308 5th Ave, Seattle) is itself part of the experience: built in 1926 and richly decorated in a Chinese-inspired style, the building evokes both grandeur and heritage. Having that historic, lavish backdrop gives the production an extra layer of atmosphere — you’re sitting somewhere with a story of its own.
Memorable Moments
The dance-heavy moments were show-stoppers: when the ensemble locked in, the house lit up. The lead characters had swagger and presence; when they leaned into the cynicism of their roles the tension sizzled. Costume, lighting and orchestration all felt polished—this wasn’t a stripped-down imitation.
Atmosphere
The show runs through Nov 2, 2025, in a co-presentation with Seattle Theatre Group. Ticket-prices vary, but you’ll see listings starting in the mid-$80s to $100+ for this production.
Production Highlights
The ensemble is strong, especially in the dance numbers: the choreographed kicks, slick lines and cool swagger are very much in the Fosse tradition and they land. Staging and set-design are clean and evocative: minimal but effective, allowing the performers to drive the energy. The show’s themes still resonate: corruption, celebrity, the spectacle of crime and punishment. It remains startlingly relevant.
Special accessibility information: For this run, they provide closed-captioning for all performances and have ASL-interpreted and open-captioned performances scheduled.
This production of Chicago at The 5th Ave is a very satisfying evening of musical theatre — especially if you appreciate bold dance numbers, strong ensemble work and the glitzy-cynical undertones of show-biz glamour and crime. If you want energy, style and the kind of evening that reminds you of why Broadway musicals endure, Chicago at The 5th Avenue Theatre checks the boxes.
Get tickets today at The 5th Avenue Theatre online or at the box office (1308 5th Ave, Seattle).
