The iconic 1996 Broadway revival of Kander and Ebb’s 1975 musical Chicago never seems to go out of date.

Growing out of a concert version at City Center Encores, the production was originally directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse (who directed and choreographed the 1975 premiere).

Zoë Ventoura and the ensemble in All That Jazz from Chicago. Photo © Jeff Busby

First presented in Australia in 1998, the sleek, sexy production is now touring the country for the fourth time. Staging-wise, it feels as razor-sharp as ever, while the musical itself feels so topical, it could have been written yesterday.

Set in 1920s Chicago, the musical satirises the American justice system and the media circus through the tale of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who literally get away with murder thanks to their savvy lawyer Billy Flynn. It’s also a celebration of showbiz and its seductive razzle-dazzle.

Minimally presented, with the band on stage and each act presented in the style of a vaudeville number, the production is all about the sinuous choreography, the witty lyrics, the sizzling, jazzy score and the performances. With...