Great voices, talented actors, loud music, provocative dances, shiny costumes, and a fascinating story plot attracted a huge audience in the Blagoevgrad Chamber Opera Hall to see the performance of the Broadway musical Chicago.

The first AUBG Broadway musical production in many years took place in April, 2008. The AUBG students were the first amateurs to obtain the license agreement for the performance in Europe, outside the UK. Thirty participants from nine different countries entertained the student and faculty body, as well as their friends and family, and the Blagoevgrad community for two hours on stage.

The participants practiced singing, dancing and acting throughout the two semesters of the 2007/2008 academic year, starting in October. First of its kind in AUBG, the musical quickly gained popularity and crammed the 300-seat Chamber Opera Hall four nights in a row. Leaving the audience stunned with the quality of their performance was only part of the wholesome experience for the cast members.

Amidst their busy class schedules and the large number of rehearsals, the cast members created friendships and a sense of „one big family“. “Being part of something this big forces you to develop a very strong sense of respect for everybody else participating. And it stays with you long after the project is complete,” summarized AUBG graduate and cast member, Mila Todorova.

Chicago is a Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse story of fame, fortune, and “all that jazz”. It has won 6 Tony Awards, 2 Oliver Awards and a Grammy. With their interpretation of the musical, the AUBG students have set high standards and expectations for the musicals to follow.