Which musical by Kander and Ebb is named after a U.S. city?

Chicago.

The musical by Kander and Ebb named after a U.S. city is “Chicago.” This iconic show, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse, premiered on Broadway in 1975. “Chicago” is set in the jazz-infused atmosphere of Prohibition-era Chicago in the 1920s and is renowned for its sardonic look at the concept of the “celebrity criminal” and the corrupt criminal justice system that allows them to flourish.

“Chicago” centers around Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two murderesses who find themselves on death row together. Roxie, a vaudevillian, murders her lover and subsequently gains notoriety, which she uses to fuel her desire for fame. Velma, a nightclub star, is also in jail for murder. Both women seek the help of Billy Flynn, a slick, media-savvy lawyer who turns his clients into celebrities to win public support and acquit them of their charges. The musical explores themes of fame, scandal, and the American justice system, presenting a cynical view of these concepts through dark humor and dazzling musical numbers.

The original Broadway production of “Chicago” was directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, whose distinctive style helped define the show’s aesthetic. Though it received favorable reviews, its initial run was overshadowed by the success of another musical phenomenon of the time, “A Chorus Line.” However, “Chicago” was revived on Broadway in 1996 in a minimalist, sleek production that stripped away elaborate sets and costumes to focus on the raw energy of the story and Fosse’s choreography. This revival catapulted “Chicago” into the spotlight, where it has remained ever since, becoming the second-longest-running show in Broadway history.

“Chicago” has been staged globally and adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 2002, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, and Richard Gere as Billy Flynn. The musical’s enduring popularity is a testament to its sharp wit, memorable score, and the universal appeal of its themes. Kander and Ebb’s “Chicago” continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its critique of the allure of fame and the lengths to which people will go to achieve it.