By Michelle Rawlins
Chicago, once dubbed ‘the sexiest musical’ there ever was, is back in town and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
The sass-induced, high energy performance, which first premiered on Broadway in 1975, was everything you could wish for, from perfectly-curated choreography, renowned singalong musical numbers and a star-studded cast celebrating this fabulous theatrical production in all its spectacular glory.
Based on the original book by Fred Ebb and Bob Mosse, lead character, the foxy and devious chorus girl Roxie Hart, is brought to life by award winning Faye Brookes, best known for playing Kate Connor in Coronation Street, before she moved on to the stage. Her sultry demeanour, energy and perfectly timed facial expressions, adding just the right level of comedy, all come together in perfect harmony to make her the star of the show.
As the tongue-in-cheek plot unfolds, Hart’s determination to become famous and on the front page of every newspaper is revealed. After shooting her lover in a moment of unadulterated passion, she is joined by Billy Flynn, the morally corrupt but slick and lovable lawyer, who for $5,000 promises her she will walk free. BBC Any Dream Will Do winner, Lee Mead, who has previously wowed audiences with his performances of Joseph and Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, comes into his own. With his charming smile, confident swagger and charismatic charm, it’s hard not to instantly love him.
Roxy and Velma Kelly (Djalenga Scott) go head-to-head, showing off their enviable talent with pitch perfect vocals and eye-popping choreography, to win the attention of the easily bought lawyer in a bid to ensure the outcome of their pending court case means they don’t end up the next victim of the hangman’s noose.
The iconic jazz hands, sexy black lingerie (think fishnets and bodices), the smoky atmosphere, created courtesy of Ken Billingham’s dramatic lighting, all ensure the audience is transported back to the gangster driven underworld of 1920’s razzle-dazzle Chicago.
As you would expect, all the favourites from the now well know toe-tapping score are there, including All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, Mister Cellophane, and Razzle-Dazzle, keeping regular Chicago fans happy, as well as ensuring those who are stepping into the jazz set for the first time are captivated by the fast paced and highly polished choreography.
This latest adaptation by John Kander and Fred Ebb, has a few new and unique additions. These include a well-deserved musical interlude at the start of Act II, introducing the magnificent live jazz band. They are creatively positioned on stage as opposed to being resigned to the more traditional pit of the theatre, adding an extra element of pizzazz of the show,.
Special mention must also be given to understudy Michelle Andrews who, at the last minute, stepped in with a powerful performance, to take on the role of the formidable Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, after the originally cast Brenda Edwards was forced to take a break after suffering an injury.
All in all, this is a special show, and it’s no surprise this much-loved musical is still going strong fifty years after it first burst onto Broadway. It has all the ingredients you could wish for, and no doubt will go on to entertain audiences for many more decades to come.
Touring until July 30
Tickets available here