Chicago - A Musical Vaudeville

Drew Anthony Collective’s production of Chicago takes its subtitle “a musical vaudeville” very literally with a vaudeville theme and feel giving this production its soul and impetus. Gritty, consciously theatrical, and well-performed, Chicago is a perfect choice for Planet Royal’s unconventional seating style and smaller stage.

The tables at the front of Planet Royale’s auditorium are used to effect, with occasional action happening between these and the rest of the audience. The stage is given a retro feel with footlight shells, and although the (very effective) projections and clever use of multiple levels are not quite “of the era” there is a strong sense of vaudeville style in the presentation. Dani Paxton’s costume design is more colourful than we tend to expect in more recent productions of Chicago, and it works very well - and the wig work from Delia Stanley is top-notch.

Arrive early to watch Miss Simone (Simone Craddock) in a vaudevillian pre-show, setting the scene and style brilliantly with 1920s style songs, cutesy comedy, and great banter - a clever transition takes us into the show itself, as we meet one of our leading ladies, Lucy Williamson, who brings a strong performance and a lovely dry cynicism to the role of Velma Kelly - a gorgeous contrast to the lightness and doll-like portrayal of Elethea Sartorelli - lovely as Roxie Hart.

Brendan Hanson is a smooth and very effective Billy Flynn, Rachel Monamy beautifully reprises the role of “Mama’ Morton, owning her scenes, while Greg Jarema has great fun in a frock as Mary Sunshine. Vincent Hooper is very sympathetic and becomes an audience favourite as Amos Hart in a beautifully crafted performance.

A strong ensemble is kept busy throughout with strong singing and dancing performances and quick, clever characterisations. Despite the small playing space, choreographer Lauren Ferreira does not skimp on choreography - with dynamic and fun dancing that is very well executed.

Three onstage musicians provide great accompaniment to a strongly sung production, thanks to effective musical direction from Joe Louis Robinson and Joshua James Webb. 

High quality production!

Kimberley Shaw