What Is a Book Musical? The Form Explained
What a book musical is, what "the book" and the libretto mean, and how songs fit into the story.

Broadway Guides
According to Broadway.com and the official Chicago site, Chicago runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission. The official site states the intermission is 15 minutes. The official site recommends the show for ages 13 or older, while Broadway.com says it may be inappropriate for 12 and under.
Checked October 2026 against Broadway.com, the official Chicago site, and New York Theatre Guide.
Broadway.com gives Chicago's run time as "2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission." The official Chicago site adds the intermission's length: "The show runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission." New York Theatre Guide reports the same figures: "The running time of Chicago is 2hr 30min. Incl. 15min intermission." For how this compares with other Broadway shows, see our running-time guide.
Our estimate, not an official rule: add Chicago's running time to the curtain time for a rough end time. At a 7:00 p.m. curtain, that puts the finish around 9:30 p.m.; at 8:00 p.m., around 10:30 p.m. At a 2:00 p.m. matinee curtain, it would be around 4:30 p.m.
The real end time can run later if the show starts late or the intermission runs long. We suggest checking the start time for your date before you go. For the usual curtain times, see what time Broadway shows start.
Broadway.com's Chicago page says: "May be inappropriate for 12 and under. Children under 4 will not be permitted." The official Chicago site says: "We recommend 13 years or older." New York Theatre Guide recommends the show "for ages 13 and up," citing "strong language and references to sex and crime throughout."
If you arrive after curtain, Broadway.com says seating happens at management's discretion. Broadway.com lists Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre, 219 West 49th St., New York, NY. Among shows still running on Broadway, Chicago is the longest-running, according to our ranking of Broadway's longest-running shows.
How long is the intermission in Chicago?
The intermission is 15 minutes, according to the official Chicago site and New York Theatre Guide.
What age is Chicago recommended for?
The official Chicago site recommends the show for ages 13 and older. Broadway.com notes it may be inappropriate for children 12 and under.
What happens if you arrive late to Chicago?
Broadway.com says seating for latecomers is at management's discretion.
Is Chicago the longest-running show on Broadway?
Among shows still running, yes: our ranking of Broadway's longest-running shows lists Chicago as holding that record.
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