Chicago, As You’ve Never Seen It Before, at CLOC

The Roaring 20s... Prohibition... Speakeasies… Flappers... Jazz... Dance...

...and a world of crime, corruption, sex, and murder, all of which provide the backdrop to one of the most iconic, successful, and celebrated musicals of all times – Chicago, winner of 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards and a Grammy.  There may be murder and mayhem, but mixed with the brilliance of humour, show stopping songs and stunning dance numbers, Chicago is one memorable ride through a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz.

Melbourne’s CLOC Musical Theatre previously staged Chicago in 2001.  Back then, it was a very traditional production, with audiences seeing a Fosse-esque style show, as envisioned by the original creatives.

This time, however, CLOC has been given the opportunity and challenge to stage a completely new interpretation of the show, which the company has seized with excitement.  The same creative team behind last year’s smash success Priscilla Queen of the Desert has been reassembled to create a completely re‑imagined, innovative and daring production of a show known so well by so many, but never like this.

Playing the two main merry murderesses of Chicago’s Cook County Jail are Melanie Ott (Velma Kelly) and Emily McKenzie (Roxie Hart), both defended by suave, slick, and seasoned lawyer Billy Flynn (Will Hanley).  All three performers are Melbourne musical theatre veterans, and CLOC alumni.  Will and Melanie most recently co‑starred in CLOC’s production of Jersey Boys earlier this year, playing Frankie Valli and his wife Mary Delgado, whilst Emily last appeared for CLOC as Glinda the good witch in their 2016 production of Wicked.

Chicago will saunter its way onto the stage of Melbourne’s National Theatre, St Kilda on October 7^th, running through to October 22^nd. 

Co-Directors: Chris White and Lynette White

Choreographer: Lynette White

Musical Director: Malcolm Huddle

Dates: 7 – 22 October 2022

Performance Times: Evening Performances 8:00pm | Matinees 2:00pm. 

Venue: The National Theatre, St Kilda (20 Carlisle St, St Kilda)

Ticket Prices: Tickets from $56.

Bookings: Bookings at cloc.org.au or 1300 362 547

Further Information: https://www.facebook.com/CLOCMusical

COVID Note: All performances will be subject to CLOC’s flexible ticketing policy as well as COVID-Safe protocols in collaboration with the National Theatre.

Photographer: Ben Fon