You’re standing on 49th Street, the neon of the Ambassador Theatre is humming above your head, and you’ve got a dinner reservation across town that you’re suddenly very worried about. It’s the classic New York dilemma. You want to see the "razzle dazzle," but you also need to know if you'll be out in time to grab a drink before the subways turn into pumpkins.
So, let's cut to the chase.
If you are wondering exactly how long is Chicago Broadway, the standard answer is 2 hours and 30 minutes. That isn’t just the "stage time." That includes the intermission, which usually clocks in at 15 minutes. Honestly, it’s one of the most consistent runtimes in the Theatre District.
Unlike some of the newer, bloated spectacles that push the three-hour mark, Chicago is a lean, mean, jazz-filled machine. It moves fast. One minute you’re meeting Velma Kelly, and the next, you’re watching Roxie Hart try to convince a jury she’s innocent while doing a literal puppet act.
Breaking Down the Clock: Act by Act
Most people think a 2.5-hour show means two equal halves. Nope.
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Broadway is rarely symmetrical. Act I is the heavy hitter, usually running about 75 to 80 minutes. This is where you get the "Cell Block Tango" and "All That Jazz." It’s the meat of the story. By the time the lights come up for intermission, you’ve basically seen the rise of Roxie and the frustration of Velma.
Then you get that 15-minute break. Use it wisely. The Ambassador is a cozy house, which is a polite way of saying the bathrooms have lines that defy the laws of physics. If you want a drink or a souvenir program, move fast.
Act II is significantly shorter, often wrapping up in about 50 to 55 minutes. It’s a sprint to the finish. Because the second act is so brisk, the show feels much shorter than its official runtime. You’ll likely be walking out the doors by 10:30 PM for an 8:00 PM curtain, or 4:30 PM for a 2:00 PM matinee.
The Longest-Running American Musical Legend
When we talk about "how long" this show is, we aren't just talking about the minutes on a watch. We’re talking about its literal life on Broadway.
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Chicago is currently the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. It opened this revival back in 1996. Think about that for a second. Bill Clinton was in his first term. People were still using pagers. Since then, the show has played over 10,000 performances.
It took the crown for "longest-running" after The Phantom of the Opera finally closed its doors in 2023. While Phantom was British, Chicago is 100% homegrown, created by the legendary trio of John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse.
Why has it lasted this long?
- Minimalism: It doesn't rely on falling chandeliers or helicopters. It’s just talent, chairs, and a very tight orchestra.
- The "Stunt" Casting: The producers are geniuses at rotating in celebrities. You might see a world-class dancer one month and a reality TV star the next.
- The Satire: A story about people getting famous for committing crimes? Yeah, that’s actually more relevant in 2026 than it was in 1975.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning your trip to the Ambassador Theatre, there are a few practicalities that matter just as much as the runtime.
The show is generally recommended for ages 13 and up. It’s a "sexy" show, sure, but it’s mostly suggestive rather than explicit. That said, the theater has a strict policy: no children under 4 are allowed inside. Period.
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Late seating is another beast. If you’re running five minutes late because of a subway delay, don't expect to just walk in. Broadway ushers are basically the guardians of the underworld. They will hold you in the lobby until there’s a "break" in the action, which usually doesn't happen until after the opening number. You don't want to miss "All That Jazz." Trust me.
Tips for the Best Experience
- The View: The Ambassador is wide. If you sit too far to the side in the "Orchestra" section, you might miss some of the band's antics (they sit on stage!).
- The Band: Speaking of the band, stay for the exit music. Most people bolt the second the cast takes a bow. The "Great Graphico" (the conductor) and the musicians usually do a mini-concert at the end that’s worth the extra five minutes.
- The Weather: The Ambassador can get chilly. Even in the middle of a New York summer, that AC is working overtime. Bring a light jacket.
The show hasn't changed much since 1996, and that's the point. It’s a time capsule of Fosse’s style. It’s cynical, it’s sharp, and it’s exactly 150 minutes of your life that you won't regret.
If you're heading to the box office, just remember that the current cast as of early 2026 features some heavy hitters like Kate Baldwin and Robyn Hurder. The energy is high, the "Cell Block Tango" still brings the house down, and the clock is ticking.
Your Next Steps:
Check the official Chicago the Musical website to confirm the curtain time for your specific date, as Sunday evening shows sometimes start earlier than the standard 8:00 PM slot. Map out your route to the Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th St) at least 30 minutes prior to showtime to account for security checks and the inevitable crowds.