THE time-honored Broadway musical “Chicago” is making its return to the Shenzhen stage with eight performances at the Bay Opera of Shenzhen in October, celebrating the 30th anniversary of its acclaimed 1996 revival.

The China tour will kick off in Shenzhen before traveling to other Chinese cities including Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu and Chongqing, giving more audiences across China the chance to experience authentic Broadway culture close to home.

Based on a true story, “Chicago” was brought to the stage in 1975 by legendary director and choreographer Bob Fosse. Set in the dazzling and decadent atmosphere of the 1920s, it tells the story of housewife and nightclub dancer Roxie Hart, who murders her lover after he threatens to leave her. To avoid conviction, she hires the city’s most cunning criminal lawyer and manipulates the public, the media, and her rival inmate Velma Kelly, turning her crime into a string of sensational headlines that ultimately help her escape death row and become a celebrity of the era.

“Chicago” is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and London’s West End history. It has won six Tony Awards, five Drama Desk Awards, two Olivier Awards, and one Grammy Award.

With music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, the musical features a sexy and stylish score that includes such show-stopping numbers as “Razzle Dazzle,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “All That Jazz.” The line “All That Jazz” alone has been sung more than 715,000 times in 13 different languages.

Against a stage palette of red, black, and gold, the performers shift between the softness of the waltz and the wildness of the tango, presenting a visual feast of extravagance.

Since its 1996 revival, “Chicago” has been performed more than 35,000 times in various languages across 38 countries, drawing audiences of more than 34 million.

Time: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 20-25; 2:30 p.m., Oct. 24-25

Venue: Opera Hall, Bay Opera of Shenzhen, Bao’an District (深圳滨海艺术中心歌剧厅)

Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit D(Tang Li)