The Broadway musical drama "Chicago" has come to Beijing, thrilling an audience at the Great Hall of the People on Christmas Eve. A touring version from Britain, starring Claire Taylor as Roxie Hart and Rachel Stanley as Velma Kelly, will give three shows at the Great Hall of the People.

Despite ticket prices that ranged up to 2,380 yuan (about US$290), the Christmas Eve show was hugely popular. The show is based on the real-life murder trials of two women in 1920s Chicago, when crimes of passion resulted in celebrity headlines.

The blockbuster has won international acclaim and commercial success during more than 10,000 performances around the world. The theme song "All that Jazz" was translated into Chinese especially for the Beijing performances.

(CRI December 26, 2004)