Gangsters aren't the only criminals grabbing headlines in 1920s Chicago after accused murderess and cabaret singer Velma Kelly retains the services of lawyer Billy Flynn, who takes her case to the press. Though Velma remains behind bars, she has the sympathy of everyone in the city who reads a newspaper, until another suspected killer, aspiring performer Roxie Hart, also hires Flynn to remake her image and becomes the new darling of the big house.

Roxie doesn't mind stealing the limelight from Velma until she realizes she's also in danger of becoming yesterday's news. Fittingly, the musical tells the "merry murderesses'" stories as a series of Vaudeville-style acts.

Chicago made its Broadway debut in 1975 and is based on a 1926 play written by journalist Maurine Watkins, inspired by her experiences covering the trials of two women accused of murder under circumstances reminiscent of those of Velma and Roxie. Watkins' play also inspired a movie, Roxie Hart, starring Ginger Rogers, in the early 1940s. Of course, probably the best-known version of the story is the 2002 film made of Kander and Ebb's musical, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Though Chicago is all about flash-in-the-pan stories, the musical itself has impressive staying power--a revival of the show opened on Broadway in 1996 and is still going strong. The revival, and the touring version of it coming to American Musical Theatre of San Jose, feature choreography by Ann Reinking, who played Roxie when the revival opened eight years ago. Reinking earned a Tony for her choreography.

American Musical Theatre of San Jose presents Chicago Jan. 11­Jan. 23 at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. Tickets are $45­$72. For more information, call 888.455.SHOW or www.amtsj.org.