Stars Align in Jazz Age Glory: P!nk, Queen Latifah, Whitney Leavitt, and Alex Newell Ignite the 2026 Tonys with a Dazzling ‘Chicago’ 30th Anniversary Medley

On the scintillating night of June 7, 2026, Radio City Music Hall transformed into a sultry speakeasy of song and sin as the 79th Annual Tony Awards paid explosive homage to Broadway’s indomitable survivor: Chicago. In a show-stopping medley honoring the 30th anniversary of its record-breaking 1996 revival, pop powerhouse P!nk, Queen Latifah, current Roxie Hart Whitney Leavitt, and Tony winner Alex Newell led an all-star ensemble that reminded the world why this jazz-infused tale of murder, celebrity, and razzle-dazzle remains the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

The show wasn’t just a nostalgic trip down the Great White Way—it was a vibrant declaration of Chicago’s enduring relevance. With its sharp satire on media frenzy, gender dynamics, and the cult of fame, the Kander and Ebb masterpiece feels as timely in 2026 as it did three decades ago. This star-studded tribute, opening the ceremony with undeniable swagger, celebrated not only a theatrical milestone but the unbreakable spirit of live performance itself.

 

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When the 1996 revival of Chicago opened on November 14 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre (later moving to the Ambassador), few could have predicted its marathon run. Directed by Walter Bobbie with choreography by Ann Reinking in the style of Bob Fosse, the stripped-down, chair-driven production reimagined the 1975 original as a sleek, cynical vaudeville. It captured lightning in a bottle: six Tony Awards in 1997, including Best Revival of a Musical, and a culture phenomenon that has since surpassed 11,600 performances.

Today, Chicago stands as Broadway’s longest-running current production and the longest-running American musical ever. Its themes—corruption, celebrity worship, and the blurred lines between guilt and glamour—resonate powerfully in our influencer-driven, scandal-obsessed era. As the 2026 Tonys host P!nk quipped in her opening monologue, “In a world full of smoke and mirrors, Chicago taught us how to work the spotlight.”

The anniversary medley served as both retrospective and reaffirmation. It bridged gens of performers while showcasing the show’s unmatched ability to attract top talent across music, film, and theater.

The tribute opened with Queen Latifah, whose Oscar-nominated portrayal of Matron “Mama” Morton in the 2002 film remains iconic. Stepping onto the stage with commanding presence, Latifah introduced the segment, reflecting on Chicago’s three-decade reign. Her rich, resonant voice carried the weight of history as she welcomed Alex Newell to deliver a powerhouse rendition of “When You’re Good to Mama.”

Newell, who recently played the role on Broadway and won a Tony for Shucked, brought fresh fire to Mama Morton. Dressed in a striking lace corset under dramatic blue lighting, Newell’s performance was a highlight—vocally explosive and unapologetically bold. The symbolic handoff from Latifah to Newell underscored the show’s legacy of reinvention and inclusivity.

Current Broadway Roxie Hart Whitney Leavitt infused the medley with youthful vitality and razor-sharp precision. Known for her magnetic stage presence, Leavitt tackled portions of “Roxie” and “Nowadays,” blending vulnerability with vaudevillian verve. Her chemistry with the ensemble highlighted why she’s become a fan favorite in the role, bringing a contemporary edge to the character’s desperate quest for fame.

Leavitt’s participation grounded the tribute in the living, breathing production still captivating audiences nightly at the Ambassador Theatre.

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As host and surprise performer, P!nk elevated the entire evening. Her gritty, soulful delivery of “All That Jazz” reportedly stole the show, with critics and audiences alike praising her ability to merge pop-rock intensity with classic Broadway flair. P!nk’s acrobatic energy and emotional depth reminded viewers of her own history with theatre show, adding layers of star power that made the medley feel like a true event.

Joined by Julianne Hough, Dylan Mulvaney, Adrienne Warren, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and more, the ensemble delivered seamless transitions through hits like “Cell Block Tango,” “Mr. Cellophane,” and a rousing finale. The choreography paid homage to Fosse’s iconic style—sharp isolations, sultry struts, and those unforgettable chairs—while incorporating modern flair.

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Beyond the glitz, the show  underscored deeper culture currents. Chicago has always thrived on subversion: women wielding sexuality and media savvy as weapons in a patriarchal world, the hypocrisy of justice systems, and America’s insatiable appetite for scandal. In 2026, amid ongoing conversations about celebrity culture, cancel culture, and gender fluidity, these themes hit harder than ever.

The diverse cast of the tribute—spanning gens, backgrounds, and identities—mirrored the show’s evolution. From Latifah’s trailblazing film role to Newell’s groundbreaking Broadway tenure, Chicago continues to open doors. Its satirical bite never feels preachy; instead, it wraps sharp commentary in irresistible jazz, making audiences laugh while confronting uncomfortable truths.

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The 2026 Tonys production team, working closely with Chicago producers Barry and Fran Weissler, ensured the tribute honored the show’s minimalist aesthetic while scaling it for television. Lighting evoked smoky nightclubs, costumes nodded to 1920s glamour with contemporary twists, and the orchestra swelled with Kander and Ebb’s timeless score.

Social media erupted instantly. Clips of P!nk’s vocals and Newell’s Mama Morton dominated timelines, driving renewed ticket sales for the Broadway run. For a show approaching its 30th year, this view was priceless—proof that Chicago remains not just a survivor but a thriving culture force.

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While the Chicago medley was a standout, the 79th Tonys also recognized the broader ecosystem of American theater. Yet this tribute served as a unifying moment—reminding viewers and industry insiders alike of Broadway’s resilience post-pandemic, its ability to draw global superstars, and its role as a mirror to society.

P!nk’s hosting gig added another layer of excitement. Her charisma kept the evening energetic, blending heartfelt tributes with playful banter. The Chicago segment perfectly encapsulated the night’s spirit: celebration amid uncertainty, artistry amid commerce.

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Thirty years on, Chicago shows no signs of slowing. With rotating celebrity casts, international tours, and a film legacy that introduced the story to new gens, its future looks bright. The 2026 Tonys show will be remembered as a pivotal chapter—one that infused fresh energy into a beloved classic while proving that great theater transcends time.

For Whitney Leavitt, continuing the role nightly, the night was both validation and motivation. For legends like Queen Latifah and P!nk, it was a joyful return to the roots of performance. And for Alex Newell and the ensemble, it was a platform to showcase the next era of Broadway talent.

As the final notes of the medley faded and the audience rose in thunderous applause, one thing was clear: in the world of Chicago, they’re still giving ’em the old razzle dazzle—and audiences can’t get enough. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the show through this electrifying tribute, the invitation remains: come for the jazz, stay for the satire, and leave humming the tunes that have defined Broadway for three remarkable decades.

This unforgettable evening at the Tonys didn’t just celebrate a milestone—it reignited the magic, ensuring that Chicago will keep audiences captivated for years to come. All that jazz? It’s alive and thriving.