“They had it comin.”

Lyrics from the musical’s “Cellblock Tango,” which echo throughout the production, act as a theme for the entire show, which is filled with greed, corruption and fame.

“Chicago” opens as Roxie Hart, a young woman dreaming of becoming a star on Vaudeville and escaping her husband, murders her lover after discovering he could not make her a star, as he had promised.

Roxie is hauled off to jail after her husband refuses to take the blame, where she meets Velma Kelly, a murdering star. Velma introduces Roxie to Billy Flynn, Velma’s lawyer, who takes Roxie and her case under his wing.

The media immediately picks up Roxie’s story, and she becomes famous almost overnight. Although it’s not how she envisioned reaching stardom, Roxie enjoys being in the spotlight, even though Velma Kelly and Roxie’s husband do not share the her feelings.

Through the musical’s twists and turns, Roxie and Velma develop a complicated friendship that is mixed with jealousy and camaraderie.

“Chicago” is the collaborative creation of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, and was re-introduced to a small group in May 1996, after being away from the bright lights of Broadway.

According to the musical’s homepage, the show was received with great enthusiasm, and production was moved to Broadway and opened on Nov. 14, 1996.

In 1997, “Chicago” won six Tony awards, including Best Musical Revival, and took a Grammy award in 1998.

The musical is still performing on Broadway and, in 2006, became the eighth-longest running show in Broadway.

When the movie-musical version of “Chicago” debuted in Dec. 2002, enthusiasm for the show was renewed. The show’s success was recognized and the movie was nominated for 13 Oscars.

It won six Oscars, including best actress in a supporting role, best costume design, and best picture.

After the wild success of the movie, “Chicago” opened a national tour in June 2003.

Lindsay Roginski plays Roxie Hart on the tour, and it seems to her that dreams do come true. Her first job in New York City was selling programs for “Chicago” on Broadway. Dancing since the age of five, Roginski has been acting since she was in junior high. “Chicago” inspired Roginski to move to New York City and become an actress.

AMUSE got to sit down and chat with the actress about the show and how its themes are reflected in today’s media-driven society.

AMUSE: What do you do to prepare yourself for your character, Roxie?

Roginski: Well, she’s a fun character to play, so I don’t feel like I have to do much. I feel like the overture really gets me into the role and helps me focus.

A: Do you see any similarities between yourself and Roxie?

LR: I draw from her the idea that, deep down, everybody wants their 15 minutes of fame. And even though she murders her lover, she does have a good heart.

A: What other experience have you had with Broadway?

LR: Well, I haven’t performed directly on Broadway yet, but I would love to perform ‘Chicago’ [on Broadway] someday.

A: What do you do to keep the show entertaining?

LR: I make it new every night. I think by making it genuine, by making it sincere, it will always be entertaining.

A: Since the movie was released a few years ago, what do you think keeps audiences coming to see the show?

LR: I think its universal theme makes people want to go [to the show] – the idea that people get famous for all the wrong reasons.

A: What elements of theatre are different from the movie?

LR: The theater show is very raw and basic – there aren’t any costume changes. You get to focus on the story instead of the flashy costumes.

A: Roxie ‘accidentally’ becomes famous by shooting her lover.

Do you think that today’s young stars might see their illegal escapades as a way to extend their fame?

LR: Absolutely. Always. It’s wrong that stars see that as a way to keep their 15 minutes, but it happens.

A: What is your favorite song in the show and why?

LR: I would say ‘Roxie’ because there’s a whole bunch of boys dancing around me. But it [my favorite song] changes all the time.

“Chicago” will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on May 8 in Stephens Auditorium. Tickets are $20 for students and $46.50 and $42.50 for the general public.