by Keridwyn Deller

I think every musical theatre lover should make a point to see the musical CHICAGO. It’s a beautifully created show with catchy numbers (just thinking of the lyric “Six! Squish! Uh uh! Cicero! Lipschitz!” makes me smile). The show was also written well before My Favorite Murders helped to catapult murder-stories to its current popularity…writers Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse, and John Kander were clearly on to something back in the day!

The tour is coming to Seattle for a short engagement (October 22 – November 2, 2025), playing at one of the most beautiful venues in the Northwest: The 5th Avenue Theatre. Details and tickets here.

I had the chance to interview CHICAGO cast member Max Cervantes (who stars in the tour as Billy Flynn). Here is what they shared with me:

Q: If someone is picking ONE show to see in Seattle this Fall, why is CHICAGO the one to pick?

MAX: Chicago The Musical is the perfect Fall show with its hot dancing, smooth vocals, and moody design. You’ll want to sing along to the songs you know well while enjoying our fresh take on this classic. Chicago is a perfect date night to keep you warm during the crisp autumn weather.

Q: How do you imagine an audience member feeling as they head out after the show?

MAX: I bet after the show the audience will feel ready to lower the lights, grab their honey and dance the night away with a glass of their preferred libation.

Q: Mmm, ok, I like the sound of that… I’m wondering: what’s a memorable moment from a rehearsal you want to share?

MAX: Getting to work with the original Tony award-wining director of Chicago, Walter Bobbie, was one of the most memorable experiences of the process. And of course the rest of our creative team who have been involved with the Broadway production for over 20 years was an incredible experience.

Q. Describe Chicago the Musical using up to six emojis:

MAX: 🎩💋🔪🎷🎹

Q: What’s a fun challenge about playing your role in Chicago The Musical?

MAX: Playing a manipulative lawyer who charms his way through everything is pretty fun, not too much of a challenge there. <he winks>

Q. Describe your character using up to six emojis:

MAX: 🤵🏻‍♂️ 💵♥️📑🪄✨

Q. What’s something that surprised you about the production or creative process when you were in rehearsals?

MAX: It surprised me how collaborative the rehearsal process was. Our creative leaders asked us to bring ourselves to the roles which, in turn, transforms these well-known archetypes into new, dimensional characters. Our show is a living, breathing, piece of theatre – not a cookie cutter production. 

Q. What’s something you love about a fellow cast member or someone involved with the show?

MAX: I love how close I’ve gotten to all of my fellow castmates, especially Ellie Roddy and Claire Marshall who play Roxie and Velma. We look out for each other and can’t help but make each other laugh (sometimes a little too much backstage) 😂

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And, in the word of the tour:

“There’s never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway’s razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. You’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still…CHICAGO.”

Something additionally noteworthy about this production:

“This engagement of CHICAGO is a co-presentation by Seattle Theatre Group (STG) and The 5th Avenue Theatre Company (The 5th). This year, STG and The 5th formed a strategic alliance to preserve the nonprofit operation of historic theatres, arts jobs, and live performance in Downtown Seattle. CHICAGO is the first co-presentation between the nonprofit arts organizations as part of their alliance.”

CHICAGO plays The 5th Avenue Theatre in downtown Seattle from October 22 – November 2, 2025. Tickets and more info, here.