Review: CHICAGO at Pukekohe Performing Arts

Pukekohe Performing Arts' production of "Chicago" serves up a glitzy night of high energy entertainment.

A full house on the Wednesday after opening night is a good sign of the grapevine spreading the news of something worth seeing. The grapevine is correct.

As first-time attendees at this theatre, we were treated to an awesome night's entertainment in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with great facilities. Impressive.

"Chicago" is the second longest running musical in the history of Broadway and this jazz-vaudeville style show is well known and well loved. The last time I saw it was on Broadway in 2012 and Pukekohe's offering did not disappoint, once again highlighting New Zealand's extraordinary abundance of talent.

Congratulations to the creative team led by Director Michael Sanders, Musical Director Edwin Randell and Choreographer Quinn Annemans who have played to the strengths of the cast and put together a highly entertaining seamless show.

"Chicago" demands high-performance expectations and the cast collectively stepped up to mark making the exhausting appear easy and serving the audience with the drama and the jazz, right into their laps. Time went fast and enjoyment filled the air.

Bridie Dixon as Roxie Hart is the full package - that girl can turn on the sexy, sultry, innocent, sweet, conniving personas in a blink. She connects with the audience with an intimate and unique charm.

Velma Kelly played by Amy Knight is a solid match for Dixon and these feuding femme fatales honour their characters with voices that could give their Broadway sisters a run for their money.

Their roles are demanding, requiring full vocals with challenging moves and yet the duo managed to high kick, leap, slide, shimmy, sing with gusto as if it were a walk in the park.

Simon Chapman's vocals and charisma are reminiscent to Richard Gere's portrayal of Billy Flynn and he gives "All I Care About", "Razzle Dazzle'" "Reach for the Gun" exactly the treatment they need. He has a more forceful 'gimme the money' edge to his performance which was well received. Despite microphone issues, he played his role right to the back row of the audience.

Powerhouse performer Sharon Hewlett is the ideal as Matron 'Mama' Morton and owned the role with her own style of ascorbic edge that honoured the 'law-breakin'-law-keeper' role. It was no surprise that her vocals captivated the audience with 'When You're Good to Mamma'.

Dylan Shore gives Mary Sunshine the right balance of gender confusion, so much so that the reveal is truly a revelation for many. My 'significant other' did the appropriate 'Oh that's who that is', a testament to the success of Shore's delivery.

Jono Craig brings his own brand of 'awww' to the role of Amos Hart playing more of the character's loveable naivety' rather than a 'not too bright' persona. Delightful. 'Mr Cellophane' gave Craig the opportunity to showcase his velvety-tenor voice and the audience loved it.

Linking the show together and literally popping up all over the place was Master of Ceremonies Kane Welsh. This role highlights Welsh's ability to do anything and everything onstage with ease and professionalism.

The show maintains a solid foundation throughout and much of this can be attributed to the ensemble who delivered strong support, slipping in and out of cameo roles, solo singing, dance moves and looking every bit the professional in all they did and they did it all. Bravo! A special mention to their superb costumes that supported their roles perfectly adding colour and flair to the scenes. Additionally, the dance troupe add a further level delivering clever choreography.

A collective classy collaboration of highly energetic entertainment is to be had. Don't miss out.

Chicago
Pukekohe Performing Arts
Harrington Theatre
2 Harrington Avenue
Pukekohe
until 13th April
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/book/event?eid=524& (no booking fee!)

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