 The musical play opened on Broadway in New York City, New York, USA  on 12 May 1975 and closed 27 August 1977 after 936 performances  (including 24 previews). Its opening cast included  Jerry Orbach (qv) as Billy Flynn, Chita Rivera (qv) as Velma  Kelly (she later played Roxie Hart in the 1990s London production),  Gwen Verdon (qv) as Roxie Hart and Barney Martin (I) (qv) as  Amos Hart.