Review: CHICAGO - Davidson Community Players

DAVIDSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS PRESENT THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, "CHICAGO"

I had the opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Davidson Community Players (DCP), by attending the opening night performance of the Tony Award-winning musical, Chicago. The Duke Family Performance Hall, on the campus of Davidson College, was packed to capacity with the enthusiastic support of a community of theatergoers. Directed by Tony-Award director Corey Mitchell, DCP's version has all the "bells and whistles" of the classic Broadway musical which opened in 1975 - great storyline, singing, choreography and costumes. Yet, the cast brought their own unique flair, starting with the classic opening number All That Jazz, led by the resonating vibrato of villainess Velma Kelly (Mindy Hudson) and the blending of ensemble voices. Murderess Roxie Hart (Meredith Swanson), who shot her lover as he delivered the news that he was ending their relationship, embodied the stage with her "I'm-a-ruthless-bad-girl-who-loves-the-spotlight" attitude. Mama Morton (Nicole Watts) brings a "soulful" element to the production that compliments Hudson's and Swanson's voices to complete the trios' well-blended toughness. Of course, we cannot forget the debonair and flamboyant attorney, Billy Flynn (Bill Caswell) who uses his booming tenor voice to sell us on the innocence of his client, Roxie. This twisted web of deceit takes us on a journey of adultery, murder, cover-ups, and the abrasive lifestyle of women "alley cats" behind bars.

If you looking for an evening of great entertainment filled with plenty of dancing and singing - then Chicago is your top pick. Not to mention an engaging "master of ceremonies" (Roger Watson) that ushers in each Act. Thumbs up Davidson Community Players and "Happy 50th Anniversary!" Here's to 50 more years of great productions!

**Chicago runs at the Duke Family Performance Hall, in the Knobloch Campus Center, Davidson College, 207 Faculty Drive, Davidson, NC, from June 18-20, 24-27 at 8:00 pm; June 21 & 27 at 2:00 pm. For ticket information visit website http://www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org