The Broadway musical Chicago is a story of scandal, sin, corruption, and fame. To fulfill her dream of becoming famous, Roxie Hart wants to use the connections of her lover, Fred Casely. Finding out that Fred is cheating on her, Roxie kills him. The truth comes out and Roxie is sent to prison. There she meets former vaudeville star Velma Kelly and lawyer Billy Flynn. The latter helps Roxy become famous, but how long can Roxy stay famous and is this the popularity she dreams of?

The action of the musical takes place in the 1920s in Chicago. One of the main characters is Velma Kelly. A former vaudeville star, she is now in prison, having murdered her husband and sister when they were in bed together. Velma Kelly tells her story in song, greeting the show’s audience.

The viewer is then introduced to Roxie Hart, who killed her cheating lover, Fred Casley. Roxie had always dreamed of a glamorous life and fame. However, her life hasn’t turned out that way at all; the girl has long been married to Amos the mechanic. Her life revolves around her husband and home, but she’s tired of that state of affairs. Roxy decides to become the mistress of Fred Casely, who convinces her that he will help her with her cabaret career. Fred tells the girl that there is a cabaret owner among his acquaintances to whom Casely would be happy to recommend Roxy. However, it soon transpires that Fred does not have any acquaintances. This news shocks Roxie – she kills her lover.

Roxie convinces her husband that they tried to rob her and she committed the murder in defense. Amos agrees to take the blame. Roxie rejoices in her husband’s naivete until the police mention the name of the dead man. Amos realizes everything at once, and the secret comes out. Roxie is arrested.

The girl is sent to prison, where she meets Velma and other female criminals. The unit Roxy is in is run by the corrupt Matrona Morton, nicknamed Mama. Mama helps Velma become the most popular killer of the week in the press. She is also Velma’s “agent,” preparing her triumphant return to vaudeville.

Velma does not like Roxie, who takes away not only her fame but also the attention of lawyer Billy Flynn. Billy, a favorite of his clients, agrees to take Roxie’s case and is willing to cover the girl’s story in the press. Roxie’s press conference turns into a play: the lawyer, like a prompter, whispers to the girl a new version of what happened. Roxy, in turn, faithfully repeats Billy’s words.

Roxie Hart brags that she has become Chicago’s new people’s favorite. As the girl’s popularity gathers momentum, Velma’s case is forgotten. Velma tries to talk to Roxie and convince her to renew their friendship. However, Roxie is not ready to share her fame and declines Velma’s offer. Roxy can’t help but think that her popularity is starting to fade as well. She figures out a way to get back on the front page: Roxy decides to tell the press that she is pregnant.

Act II
Roxy’s husband, Amos, proudly declares that he is the father of Roxy’s unborn child. Meanwhile, Velma tells her lawyer Billy Flynn all the tricks she has saved for her trial. Things don’t go so smoothly between Roxie and her lawyer, though: her client gets into an argument with Flynn and fires him. After returning to her cell, Roxie learns that her cellmate Velma has been released.

Roxie’s trial date gets closer and closer, Billy Flynn is her lawyer again. He convinces the girl that if she can make a show out of the trial, then the case is in the bag. Billy tells Roxie about all the tricks that Velma has planned. The girl uses every one of Velma’s tricks in court. Billie seeks an acquittal for Roxie.

As the verdict is read out, new crime notices make the front pages, and Roxie’s fleeting fame passes. Upon her release, Roxie tells her husband that she is not expecting any child. This is so shocking to Amos that he decides to leave the girl. Left alone, Roxie dreams of the joys of a new life.