“Chicago” Lights up Lake Placid for a One-Night Screening

Catherine Zeta Jones in the movie musical Chicago in Lake Placid. — The film version of acclaimed Broadway musical “Chicago” plays at Arts Center Lake Placid. Photo credit: David James/Miramax

In the heart of the Adirondacks, Arts Center Lake Placid brings a bit of Broadway-meets-Hollywood glamour to mud season with a special screening of Chicago on Friday, April 24 at 7 pm.

For locals in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Wilmington—and travelers mapping out things to do in Lake Placid this weekend—this is a chance to revisit a modern classic inside one of the Adirondack Park’s most intimate cultural venues.

Film synopsis.

Set in the smoky, scandal-soaked world of 1920s Chicago, Chicago follows Roxie Hart, an aspiring performer who lands in jail after committing murder—only to find herself sharing the spotlight with vaudeville star Velma Kelly.

As the two “merry murderesses” compete for headlines, fame becomes currency, and the courtroom transforms into a stage. With sharp wit, show-stopping musical numbers, and a cynical take on celebrity culture, the film dances between fantasy and reality in a way that still feels fresh.

Watch the official trailer.

Here’s a look at Chicago ahead of its screening at Arts Center Lake Placid in Lake Placid, NY—a standout among movies playing in the Adirondacks this week.

Chicago’s trailer showcases the film’s iconic musical numbers, bold choreography, and the electric chemistry of its lead cast.

Seeing Chicago at the Arts Center in Lake Placid offers Adirondack audiences a rare chance to experience this Oscar-winning musical on the big screen again.

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Cast, director, and production notes.

Directed by Rob Marshall, Chicago stars Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart, Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly, and Richard Gere as the slick, silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn. Supporting turns from Queen Latifah and John C. Reilly round out a cast that leans fully into the film’s theatrical roots.

Adapted from the 1975 stage musical by John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse, the film blends stage sensibilities with cinematic storytelling—most notably through its stylized musical sequences, which unfold as imagined performances inside Roxie’s mind. The result is a seamless fusion of Broadway energy and film craft.

Catherine Zeta Jones as Velma Kelly and Renee Zellweger as Roxie Hart in Chicago, the musical movie. — Catherine Zeta Jones won Best Supporting Actress OSCAR for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in *Chicago.*

Critical response, awards, and why it still matters now.

Chicago remains one of the most celebrated movie musicals of the 21st century. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture—an achievement that helped revive the musical genre in Hollywood. Critics praised its kinetic direction, sharp editing, and the performances, particularly Catherine Zeta-Jones’ commanding turn as Velma.

That said, some viewers have noted that the film’s rapid editing can feel almost too slick, occasionally sacrificing dance continuity for cinematic flair. Still, that same stylization is part of what gives Chicago its enduring identity.

More than two decades later, its themes—media manipulation, fame as spectacle, and the blurred line between justice and performance—feel strikingly current. This is a film that rewards a second viewing, especially on the big screen, where its choreography and design can fully breathe.

Why see it in the Adirondacks?

Watching Chicago at Arts Center Lake Placid isn’t just about the film—it’s about the setting. Independent theaters in the Adirondack Park offer something increasingly rare: a shared, attentive viewing experience. No sprawling multiplex, no endless distractions—just a room of engaged viewers, a carefully curated program, and the quiet satisfaction of discovering (or rediscovering) a great film together.

In a season when the pace slows and the trails turn to mud, stepping into a local theater becomes its own kind of Adirondack ritual. Films like Chicago benefit from that focus—the music hits harder, the humor lands sharper, and the spectacle feels more immersive than any living room stream.

Tickets are $7 and can be purchased in advance. For updates or additional films playing in Lake Placid, visitors should check the theater’s website or Facebook page.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Catch the Friday 7 pm screening—perfect for date night or a stylish kickoff to a Lake Placid weekend.

The Adirondacks always have something playing—on stage, on screen, and beyond. ADK Taste curates the best of it each week so readers never miss what’s worth their time.

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