Chicago

Koorliny Arts Centre kicked off their 2017 season with great style, presenting an exciting, very polished production of Chicago.

Directed by Kim Angus in a Brechtian, consciously theatrical style - with actors and stage management visible at the side of stage. This was an intelligent production with a wonderful sense of style.

The fourteen member band are seated across the rear of the stage. The orchestral performance is very tight under the leadership of Andrew Dobosz, and singing is top notch.

Elethea Sartorelli shines as Velma Kelly, owning the stage with a beautifully complete performance. Expertly matched is Helen Kerr, a lovely nuanced Roxie and a wonderful contrast.

Rachel Monamy is strong as Mama Morton - with amazing cleavage and attitude. David Wallace brings a quiet but complete confidence to Billy Flynn and Jon Lambert is excellent as the saddest Amos you are likely to see. Tate Bennet is excellent as Fred Casely and Callan Kneale is delightful as Mary Sunshine.

The ensemble is excellent - precise, clean and always acting. The cast nicely execute the clever Fosse-influenced choreography from Allen Blachford and Hannah Harn.

Standing out in smaller roles are Georgia McGivern as Go to Hell Kitty and Ruth Bennet as The Hungarian, but all of the cast are excellent.

Setting a very high standard early in the year, my tip is that this will be a highly awarded production and it will be almost impossible to get a ticket for this later in he run. Book today.

Kimberley Shaw