Chicago

This cast tore up the stage in a sizzling display of music, dance and cynicism. They were every bit up to the challenge of doing justice to the pared down version of Chicago, which was revived on Broadway in 1996 and is still going 23 years later.

Chicago feels like an almost perfect model box of a musical. It has one great tune after another and at its heart is a jaw dropping good story.

Journalist Maurine Dallas Watkins penned a play about the actual female killers who became celebrities in Chicago in the 1920’s.  The issues she raised are still relevant. She touches on the greed of the legal profession, corruption in the prison system, criminals becoming celebrities and injustices against defendants from a non-English speaking background. This is a musical which does not date.

Originally staged with circus-like flamboyance, a concert staging of the musical led to its renaissance.

The set is simple. The orchestra is on stage framed with a box to resemble a jury. It is a pleasure to see the band and revel in the big juicy and at times dirty sound of the brass.  A solo rendition of Cellophane Man made your fillings rattle.

Natalie Bassingthwaighte absolutely nailed the yearning of her character Roxie for fame.  Every pose and pout was milked for the adoring press.

Alinta Chidzey danced superbly as Velma Kelly. Her vertical split was eye popping.

Casey Donovan was formidable as Matron Morton. Her showpiece song When Your Good to Mama felt like it was written for her.

Tom Burlinson was pumped as the cynical lawyer Billy Flynn. Surrounded by dextrous dancers and pink feathers he floated down the steps in the signature opening All I Care About is Love.

Minor principals also shone -  Rodney Dobson milked bucket loads of pathos as the hapless husband who no-one notices, and J Furtado mastered the falsetto as the star journalist Mary Sunshine.

The chorus of male and female dancers could hardly have been crisper. The lyrics are apt.  “Razzle dazzle 'em, and they'll beg you for more!”

David Spicer

Photographer: Jeff Busby