Home Exclusive Insights10

All That Vinyl Jazz: The Ultimate Collector's Guide To Chicago The Musical's Must-Have Pressings

• minute read
Contents

The seductive, cynical world of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly has been captivating audiences for decades, and its music—a brilliant pastiche of vaudeville and jazz—is perfectly suited for the warm, rich sound of vinyl. As of late 2024, the collector's market for Chicago The Musical vinyl is hotter than a speakeasy in the Prohibition era, driven by recent anniversary reissues that have introduced stunning new pressings to both seasoned audiophiles and new fans of the long-running Broadway phenomenon. This guide cuts through the noise to detail the three essential vinyl editions you need to own and the rare variants that command the highest prices.

The musical's enduring popularity, now celebrating over 26 years since its acclaimed revival, ensures that the various cast and soundtrack recordings remain highly sought after. Whether you’re chasing the raw energy of the original 1975 production or the star power of the 2002 film, understanding the different pressings is key to building a "Razzle Dazzle" collection that truly sings.

The Three Essential Chicago Musical Vinyl Pressings: A Collector's Checklist

The history of Chicago on vinyl is divided into three distinct eras, each represented by a crucial recording. A complete collection should aim to secure the best pressing from each of these major releases, representing the evolution of the iconic musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb.

1. The Original Broadway Cast Recording (1975)

This is the foundational recording, capturing the raw, Bob Fosse-directed energy of the show's initial run. It is a piece of Broadway history and a crucial addition for any collector of musical theater history.

  • Key Entities: Gwen Verdon (Roxie Hart), Chita Rivera (Velma Kelly), Jerry Orbach (Billy Flynn), and the original director/choreographer Bob Fosse.
  • The Original Pressing: The first US LP was released on the Arista label in 1975. These gatefold jackets often feature the iconic, stylized title logo. A well-preserved original pressing is highly prized for its vintage analog sound quality.
  • What to Look For: Look for early Arista pressings with clean vinyl. While later reissues exist, the 1975 originals are often favored by audiophiles for their warm tonality. Signed copies by original cast members like Chita Rivera or creators like Fred Ebb can fetch premium prices in the secondary market.
  • Essential Tracks: "All That Jazz," "Cell Block Tango," and "Razzle Dazzle."

2. The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997 Revival) - The Current Must-Have

This recording captures the sound of the stripped-down, long-running revival that is still playing on Broadway today. This is the version that has seen the most recent and exciting vinyl reissues, making it the most topical and accessible collector's item right now.

  • Key Entities: Ann Reinking (Roxie Hart), Bebe Neuwirth (Velma Kelly), James Naughton (Billy Flynn), and the orchestrator Ralph Burns.
  • The 25th Anniversary Reissue (Latest News): The most current and sought-after pressing is the 25th Anniversary Edition, which has been reissued on a double deep red marbled vinyl LP. This edition, housed in a gatefold jacket with an insert, is the definitive modern pressing of the revival recording.
  • Rare Variants: Collectors should hunt for the rare, earlier red vinyl pressing that was a Barnes & Noble exclusive. This variant is often considered a "first pressing" of the modern vinyl era for this recording and is a significant find for dedicated fans.
  • Why It's Essential: This recording features the definitive arrangements for the revival's minimalist, concert-style production and includes the fan-favorite track "Class," which was not on the original 1975 LP.

3. Music From The Miramax Motion Picture (2002 Soundtrack)

The Academy Award-winning film brought the musical to a massive global audience, and its soundtrack—featuring the voices of Hollywood royalty—offers a distinctly different, yet equally compelling, listening experience.

  • Key Entities: Renée Zellweger (Roxie Hart), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Velma Kelly), Richard Gere (Billy Flynn), Queen Latifah (Matron "Mama" Morton), and director Rob Marshall.
  • Recent Reissues and Variants: The film soundtrack has seen several high-quality vinyl reissues by labels like Real Gone Music. These releases often come as a 2LP set in a gatefold jacket.
  • Collector's Focus: The value here is in the limited-edition colored vinyl variants. Look for the "Chicago Fire" pressing (orange with black streaks) or the limited Red & Yellow colored vinyl. These variants are highly collectible and provide a vibrant aesthetic that matches the film's visual flair.
  • Unique Tracks: This soundtrack is notable for including the full ensemble version of "Cell Block Tango" and the original song "I Move On," performed by Zeta-Jones and Zellweger.

Decoding the "Razzle Dazzle": Audiophile Tips and LSI Entity Guide

For the serious collector, the pursuit of the perfect pressing goes beyond just the color of the vinyl. Sound quality, mastering, and the overall completeness of the package are crucial factors. Here is a deeper dive into the entities and details that define a premium *Chicago* vinyl collection.

The Audiophile's Quest: Sound Quality and Mastering

When seeking the best sound, the general rule of thumb for *Chicago The Musical* is to prioritize early pressings of the 1975 Original Cast Recording. These LPs were cut from the original master tapes, often resulting in a warmer, more dynamic soundstage that truly allows the brass and woodwinds of the pit orchestra to shine. The Original Broadway Cast album, often titled "Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville," is a masterclass in musical theater recording.

For the 1997 Revival and the 2002 Movie Soundtrack, look for reissues from reputable labels that mention "remastering" from the original sources, such as the Real Gone Music releases for the film. The 25th Anniversary deep red marbled vinyl is generally praised for its clean, modern pressing quality, offering a fantastic listening experience for the contemporary cast.

LSI Entities and Keywords for the Ultimate Collection

To truly understand the collector's market, you must be familiar with the key people, songs, and concepts that form the topical authority around this musical. Integrating these terms naturally will enhance your collection and your knowledge of the show.

Key Characters & Performers:

  • Roxie Hart
  • Velma Kelly
  • Billy Flynn
  • Matron "Mama" Morton
  • Amos Hart
  • Gwen Verdon
  • Chita Rivera
  • Ann Reinking
  • Bebe Neuwirth
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones
  • Renée Zellweger

Iconic Songs & Musical Numbers:

  • "All That Jazz"
  • "Cell Block Tango"
  • "Razzle Dazzle"
  • "Hot Honey Rag"
  • "Mister Cellophane"
  • "We Both Reached for the Gun"
  • "Class"
  • "Nowadays"

Creators & Production Entities:

  • John Kander (Composer)
  • Fred Ebb (Lyricist)
  • Bob Fosse (Original Director/Choreographer)
  • Musical Vaudeville (The show's original subtitle)
  • Broadway Revival (The 1996/1997 production)

The ongoing reissues, particularly the 25th Anniversary edition of the 1997 recording, confirm that the love for *Chicago* on vinyl is stronger than ever. By focusing on the three core recordings and hunting down the limited-edition colored pressings, you can curate a collection that is both a historical tribute and a modern audiophile treasure.

All That Vinyl Jazz: The Ultimate Collector's Guide to Chicago The Musical's Must-Have Pressings
chicago musical vinyl
chicago musical vinyl

Detail Author:

  • Name : Berenice Lindgren
  • Username : caroline88
  • Email : enola.swaniawski@deckow.com
  • Birthdate : 2006-10-31
  • Address : 74851 Huel Pine Dickiborough, MS 59056
  • Phone : +1-424-218-2520
  • Company : Schroeder, Kreiger and Schamberger
  • Job : Rough Carpenter
  • Bio : Voluptas aut magni vitae impedit. Repellat dolor non eum reiciendis quibusdam eaque. Et doloribus non non ut quasi excepturi. Officia ea necessitatibus cum ex.

Socials

linkedin:

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@yasmeen_real
  • username : yasmeen_real
  • bio : Nisi illum et accusantium laborum dolor consectetur animi illo.
  • followers : 6526
  • following : 487

Random Posts