As "Chicago" celebrates its 50th anniversary, audiences across the country are once again captivated by its sharp satire, iconic choreography, and unforgettable music.
But for Michael Vita, an original cast member of the groundbreaking 1975 Broadway production, this milestone brings with it a lifetime of memories, reflections, and enduring pride. From sharing the stage with legends like Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera to working under the visionary eye of Bob Fosse, Vita’s journey through the golden age of musical theater is a masterclass in passion, perseverance, and the power of performance.
In this exclusive interview, Vita spoke to us about those electric early days, the legacy of Chicago, and the lessons he hopes today’s performers will carry forward from a show that changed Broadway, and his life, forever.
A Historical Beginning
You were part of something historic when "Chicago" opened in 1975. What do you remember most about those first rehearsals and the energy surrounding the original Broadway production?
The energy surrounding the original Broadway production of "Chicago" was electric, as it was with every new "Fosse" show! It felt like something special was about to happen. And it did!
Working with the Legends
You had the extraordinary experience of working with icons like Bob Fosse, Fred Ebb, and John Kander. Can you share a story or moment that still stands out to you all these years later?
Working with legends like Fred Ebb and John Kander, who created iconic works like Cabaret and New York, New York, and being part of productions led by Bob Fosse at the peak of his career was an unforgettable privilege. I was surrounded by some of the greatest talents in theater: Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera, two of the most celebrated dancers, and Jerry Orbach, a cornerstone of countless Broadway shows. I felt incredibly fortunate to be in the presence of such brilliant, creative minds. I still remember a story Fred Ebb shared with us: he grew up with very little and once received a bag of broken butter cookies. He would always look for a whole one, but never found it. That story stuck with me, so as a gift for opening night, I had a jeweler create a belt buckle in the shape of a perfect, whole butter cookie, just for him!
A Community and a Curtain Call
As an openly LGBTQ performer, then and now, how did the Broadway community of the 1970s shape your identity, and what has it meant to watch the evolution of representation in the arts over the past five decades?
Being an openly LGBTQ performer on Broadway in the 1970s was incredibly liberating. What mattered most was your talent, your ability to sing, perform, and fit the role. Sexual orientation wasn’t a barrier; if you had the skills, you got the job.
Over the years, I’ve witnessed tremendous progress in LGBTQ representation. The community is far more accepted now than it was back then, and it's meaningful to see leading roles written and portrayed as gay characters. Something that was rare, if not unheard of, in earlier decades.
The arts have always mirrored the world around us, offering insight into the times we live in. For instance, I see "Chicago" as a powerful commentary on the manipulation of justice and the privileges that accompany "fame." It doesn’t seem to have changed much!
From the Spotlight to the Seats
Now, 50 years later, you’ll be attending the national tour’s Miami stop. How does it feel to see "Chicago" still captivating audiences, and what do you hope today’s cast takes away from the show’s legacy?
Watching "Chicago" 50 years later is like looking at the path that my life has taken. It was my second show working with Bob Fosse after Sweet Charity and my sixth Broadway production out of fourteen. Each show becomes a kind of a family, and the experience of creating something together is incredibly heartwarming.
To the cast performing tonight, I’d say: To live the moment fully, from the overture to the bows. Be grateful for the experience that is afforded to very few people.
The Heartbeat of Broadway
Many young performers dream of being part of a show with the kind of staying power "Chicago" has. What advice would you give today’s performers about honoring the past while making a role their own?
Richard Korthaze, who originated the role of Sgt. Fogarty in the original Broadway production, was one of Bob Fosse’s favorite dancers. He was exceptional in the role, crafting it moment by moment, bringing his talent to every performance. As you take the stage tonight, keep Richard in your thoughts. Honor his legacy by dedicating your performance to the artist who first brought the character to life. I was 19 when I started on Broadway; at that time, you had to be able to sing and dance. Today, you must be able to sing, dance, act, tumble, and twirl a baton while standing on your head! Stay with your dream, never give up. ‘It’ never leaves you.
The theater becomes an integral part of your life’s journey, something that you carry within you. Now, in this chapter of my life, I’m living at The Court at Palm Aire, a Five Star Senior Living Community, where I’m surrounded by the company of inspiring individuals and care. I still perform two music concerts a year and relive the stories of when I was a featured performer on Broadway in New York City!
"Chicago the Musical" will be performed at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132. Tickets are available at arshtcenter.org or through official ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster.
