One of Bob Fosse's most popular musicals, Chicago went through a revival of interest with the 2002 release of the big screen adaptation. Centered on the theme of dancing, liquor, crime and more dancing, Chicago is a jazz lover's dream!

Set in an era of vaudeville, it is the story of two 1920's "jazz babies" Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly who, in the first words uttered by the master of ceremonies live through: "murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery." Despite these rather heavy themes, Chicago is actually more accurately about dancing, jazz, celebrity and fun! In both the stage production and the movie, the actors dazzled the audience with their talents. To spotlight the talent on stage, the props were kept to an austere minimum. It was in the Fosse-choreographed dancing sequences where all the glitter of Chicago sparkled.

Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville opened on June 3, 1975, and ran for a total of 936 performances, closing on August 27, 1977. It starred Chita Rivera as Velma Kelly, Gwen Verdon (who was married to Bob Fosse at the time) as Roxie Hart, and Jerry Orbach as Billy Flynn. The musical got mixed reviews, which is reportedly what Fosse wanted. The musical's central themes made some audiences uncomfortable. Chicago was set to represent, rather maliciously the world we live in, paralleling the glamorization of criminals with how society itself makes criminals into celebrities.

A film version of Chicago was produced and released in 2002. Comparatively to the original, it is also full of great performances, starting with that of Renee Zellweger, who plays the aspiring show business star Roxie Hart. Zellweger proves her ability loud and clear. It is not surprising that she mastered the acting required, but she also successfully showcased her dancing and singing talents in a Broadway-worthy performance.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, a musical theatre veteran, was perhaps less surprising in her triple threat performance. From the moment she opens her mouth as the murderess Velma Kelly to sing "And All That Jazz," you can tell that she was the perfect person to be cast for the part.

To many, Richard Gere was somewhat a controversial choice for the slimy-but-lovable lawyer Billy Flynn, a role which was originated by the revered Jerry Orbach. This is because few people knew of Gere's Broadway past, even having played the role of Danny Zuko in a London production of Grease. He silenced the naysayers with his charming portrayal of Flynn and proved that he could sing and dance quite well too!

The supporting cast had a tendency to steal the scenes they were in with more amazing singing and acting. Queen Latifah as Matron Mama Morton and John C. Reilly as Amos Hart both deserve recognition for their parts in the film. Latifah's powerful voice was exactly right for "When You're Good to Mama." It's hard to imagine anyone doing a better job with that particular role. Reilly's Amos struck the perfect note of a wronged, but still loving husband with a heart of gold.

So, whether or not you're a Fosse fan, or whether you were even around for his heyday, check out Chicago! It is just one of those movies that you have to see, especially if you like some of the older movie musicals and Broadway shows. It's all that Jazz, baby!