Review: CHICAGO at STARLIGHT THEATRE Kansas City

Chicago is a class act at the Starlight Theatre this weekend!

The Starlight Theatre revives the old razzle-dazzle with one of the longest running Broadway musicals to date. Audiences can bear witness to the timeless story of murder, corruption, greed, adultery, exploitation, and treachery. Set in 1920's, Chicago is the brash and buoyant story of nightclub sensation Velma Kelly who murders her adulterous husband, and Billy Flynn the cunning attorney who takes on her case. Billy is set to defend her when Roxy Hart enters the scene. Roxy has killed her lover who threatened to leave her. With the media attention turning to Hart, Billy takes on her case - turning her into a media circus of headlines. Neither woman will be outdone in their battle for stardom The fight for fame and celebrity is on as the women seek to capitalize on sensational headlines, and make a name for themselves.

Chicago doesn't bombard the audience with lavish sets or elaborate costumes, but rather shows what can successfully be done with sophisticated simplicity. With a live band on stage, a jazz-infused score, and Bob Fosse-style choreography this show is utterly irresistible. This winning musical emphasizes the sensuality of the women and men in this show by having them clad in tight-fitting, all black costumes. While the musical balance favored the orchestra over the voices, the performances were strong and the singing was spot on.

Starring Overland Park native Angel Reda, (as Roxy Hart) and Amra Faye Wright (as Velma Kelly), this pair of women sing, dance and "man"euver their way flawlessly through the show. Peter Lockyer (as Billy Flynn) is as slick a singer as he is a solicitor. Jennifer Fouche's soulful and sultry Mama Morton, Paul Vogt's ever-loveable Amos and D. Ratell's dextrous performance as Mary Sunshine are always crowd-pleasing and essential parts of the production. Chicago adds in a talented ensemble that reminds us that all you need is class, a pair of flexible legs, and, of course, all that Jazz!

Chicago runs September 14 through 26, 2018 at the Starlight. A few notes about Starlight...it's an outdoor venue, but don't be afraid if it's hot out. By the time the show starts all seats are in the shade and the light breeze from some state-of-the-art fans keeps it comfortable. The expansive seating may put one at the back of the house, but two large screens up front provide close-up views of the actors to enhance the performance. The show is about 2 hours with a 20 minute intermission. There are a concessions of all varieties and adult beverages in addition to a restaurant.

Tickets for Chicago at Starlight Theatre are available online at kcstarlight.com , by calling the box office at 816-363-STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City MO 64132. Onsite parking is $15 for paved and $10 for grass so have your cash ready.

photo courtesy of Starlight Theatre

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