“Chicago” will be at the Benedum Center starting March 10 and continuing through March 15.

A flick of the wrist, a tip of the hat, elbows snapping into right angles and fingers flaring apart- the musical “Chicago” pulses with choreography inspired by Bob Fosse’s signature style, commanding attention from the moment the curtain rises.

The longest-running American musical revival in Broadway history arrives at Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center on Tuesday and runs through March 15. A timeless tale of ambition and deceit set in the 1920s, “Chicago” reminds audiences that there’s nothing new under the sun when it comes to celebrity, crime and media manipulation. The stripped-down staging of this version of “Chicago” favors precision over props, giving the production an edge that makes it feel as relevant today as it may have been in the 1920s.

Becoming Velma Kelly

Velma Kelly, a vaudeville headliner who loves the limelight, finds herself in the middle of a scandal, attracting attention for all the wrong reasons. With a sharp tongue and cutting humor, Kelly is calculating and as desperate to manage the media machine as fiercely as her rival Roxie Hart.

Claire Marshall, a Californian with a degree in musical theater and dance from Missouri State University, graduated in 2024 and moved quickly into the professional ranks. In the fall of 2024, she landed a part in “The Cher Show.” Not long after, she accepted the role of Velma in “Chicago.”

Marshall auditioned for the tour last spring and immediately connected with the character.

“She is smart and she likes to plan. She is also a very funny storyteller,” said Marshall, adding that she can be unpredictable. “She has all the time in the world in her jail cell to come up with plans.”

Performing in a legacy show

Marshall said that the heat was on when it came to performing in a legacy show like “Chicago.”

“It can be scary filling those shoes, but I appreciate the opportunity to put my own spin on things. Velma is so witty and exciting,” she explained.

The physical demands are equally as formidable.

“The Fosse choreography alone is no joke,” Marshall pointed out. “We have to do everything all at once.”

To maintain stamina for the intense dancing, acting and vocals, Marshall has developed a gym routine that includes elliptical training and weightlifting. “You have to find balance and it’s gotten easier over time,” she said.

Playing against Roxie

“When it comes to the dynamic between Velma and Roxie, my director told me that Velma is smart and Roxie is lucky,” said Marshall, adding that the rug is pulled out from under Velma quite a bit but she survives it through emotional control, grit and a refusal to surrender.

Staying power

“Chicago” has been an audience favorite since its debut in 1975. Marshall believes that its longevity lies in its relevance. “It’s interesting to see the story through the media lens and the power they have to shape stories,” she said.

What surprises audiences, according to Marshall, is its minimalist staging.

“We rely less on props, but we have a band that is onstage the entire show and the lighting is just beautiful,” she said.

That alchemy has carried “Chicago” to 36 countries, where it has been seen by 33 million people worldwide.

For anyone who longs to perform in a Broadway musical, Marshall’s advice is to remain true to oneself.

“There are infinite numbers of ways to play roles; don’t let anyone try to put you in a box,” she said, adding that it’s important to seize the day.

“Say yes to everything and it will open up a world of opportunities,” according to Marshall.