REVIEW | Chicago UK Tour
Chicago UK Tour
★★★★
From the opening blast of the trombone and trumpet from the orchestra, the goose bumps begin and this revival of the original 1996 Broadway smash hit show is a stunner of a production. Chicago possesses the unforgettable glitz, glamour and foot-tapping tempo of this 1920s story and is now embarking on a new UK tour.
At the helm of the story, set during the Prohibition era of the 1920s, is nightclub dancer Roxie Hart. We are thrust straight into the action in this show where we play witness to her crime. She murders her lover after he threatens to leave and in order to save herself from being hung, hires Billy Flynn, the best defence lawyer in town. Did you know this story is set on fact? In 1924, Beulah Annan shot her lover dead and with dramatic skill and a top attorney behind her, raised public sympathy for her defence. She was noted as "The prettiest woman ever charged with murder in Chicago" by journalist, Maurine Watkins. It was Watkins who fictionalised the case for a stage play, later adapted into this musical that has seen many revivals and even a film in 2002 which starred Catherina Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger.
Behind this musical was a master trio of Kander, Ebb and Fosse. Their combination of artistic influence provides all of the essential ingredients for a great show. The characters are realistic and relatable; even as we watch it in the 21st century, a sultry jazz-blue score, toe-tapping songs, smooth choreography and emotional drama. Its no surprise that this show continues to be a big hit amongst audiences!
At centre stage in this production is the 10-piece band with the musical director (Andrew Hilton). Not only does he conduct the sultry jazz-blue score with flare but he also introduces characters, songs and snippets of the storyline. The strength of Chicago is definitely down to the delivery of the score by this wonderful band who soak in every opportunity to integrate themselves into the storytelling. Especially when this production has little in the scenery department.
The ensemble in this production are flawless. Their slick and eye-catching poise delivers Fosse's unforgettable choreography in this show with style, sharpness and class. Which is highlighted in the iconic "Cell Block Tango" as the girls legs reach sky high and with their eye contact firmly fixed on the audience, creating a powerful performance from the first half. I forgot how easy it is to be swept away by the beauty of the choreography in this show until seeing this touring production.
This new touring production of Chicago does have a star line up at the forefront and is a huge selling point for the show. Roxie Hart (Faye Brookes) and Velma Kelly (Djalenga Scott) are a power duo as the leading ladies. I was fully invested in how this love/hate relationship developed over the duration of the show and how these two women were fighting for the limelight between themselves. Their vocal tones ooze passion and power in what essentially is some of the greatest show tunes from a musical, ever.
The showstoppers in this show delivered, although one disappointment for me was Sinitta Malone's portrayal of Mama Morton. I felt as though Malone was very static in her delivery of "When You're Good To Mama" and the power behind this memorable song fell flat for me personally. There is some character development needed there in order for her to convey this characters nurturing and manipulative side more successfully. Two performances of the night that definitely stood out for me was in Mary Sunshine (Divina De Campo) who absolute shines in this role. Her high soprano and four-octave range was impressive and I wanted to see more of her in the show! Joel Montague delivers a beautiful, poignant "Mr Cellophane" and certainly knows how to make his audience feel his vulnerability.
After seeing this UK production of Chicago it'll be the name on everybody's lips. Its a great show for the soul and the songs will be in your head for long after.
Tickets and further information on the show can be found over on their website.