Bob and Gwen on opening night. Photos by Martha Swope. Of opening night: “The audience adored it—they even applauded when the lights first went down—and there are things, very very positive things, for everyone to adore, not least the performers. Both the girls dance their hearts out, together, singly, or leading the splendid band of gypsies who make up most of the rest of the cast. Miss Verdon’s voice, all candy innocence and yet somehow naughtily suggestive of untold viciou

During the number "Roxie" during the out of town try out in Philadelphia before her costume changed. Photo by Martha Swope, 1975 Gwen Verdon was 50 when she starred in Chicago as Roxie Hart. She had wanted to bring the project to life with Fosse for years. In the 1960s they tried to obtain the rights to perform Chicago from Maurine Watkins , but couldn't get permission until after she passed away in 1969. When rehearsals began in 1974 for Chicago , t he progress was stalled