Review: Chicago Sinfully Seduces SF

"Murder is the highest form of entertainment" is an understatement if we're talking about Chicago.  Quickly nearing its 10th anniversary on Broadway and crossing the country in a healthy national tour, this Kander, Ebb, and Fosse smash has unleashed its seductive temptations to San Francisco for two short weeks.  This leg of the tour features rock and roll legend, Huey Lewis, as Billy Flynn.

The ladies of the hour are Michelle DeJean (Roxie Hart) and Terra C. Macleod (Velma Kelly).  Both showcase their skills excellently, having experience in the Broadway cast.  From the minute DeJean begins the introduction to her killer song, "Roxie," you can't take your eyes off her.  This red-head cooks up a seductive recipe: combining a dash of trite with a heaping portion of sprite! Meanwhile, Macleod spectacularly bedecks the stage with ferocity and power, oozing Velma's raw balance of confidence and anxiety.  Her scenes alongside Carol Woods (Mama Morton – whose gorgeous voice seems to fill the house effortlessly) are especially enjoyable.

Huey Lewis – having played the sweet-talking criminal lawyer on Broadway (to return Nov. 20) – is unimpressive.  Soon after setting foot on stage, applause turned to muffled groans when it became apparent the merry-murderesses' crimes paled in comparison to Lewis' strain to hold a (flat) whole note.  The lyrics to "Razzle Dazzle" carry a whole new meaning when indeed Billy's "hinges all are rusting."  Luckily, Lewis is never alone in his numbers, so one can let their eyes roam elsewhere and still be entertained…to the phenomenal ensemble!

Add one more rose to the pile for Ann Reinking's titillating and electrifying choreography.  Modeling Fosse's style, Chicago's 12-person ensemble bends and bows, slides and glides, slithers and snaps with the hypnotic pulse of a 3-hour love session.  Honorable mentions go to David Bushman (Aaron/Dance Captain) and John Carroll (Bailiff/Court Clerk), whose fluidity and sass throughout are hard to ignore, especially their classy footwork during "My Baby and Me."  Additionally, Nicole Bridgewater (Liz) hilariously hits the top with Pop! in "The Cell Block Tango."

Lastly, John Lee Beatty (set designer) put the orchestra on-stage for a reason…the music is too proud to be hidden!  Under the superb direction of Vincent Fanuele, the 14-piece band serves up Kander's score with hearty brass and rinky-dink ivory, leaving goosebumps at each note.

Fortunately enough for Chicago, the show really shouldn't need a tired headline star in order to fill a house.  Besides, no other city loves scintillating sin (and scantly-clad dancers in black muslin) more than San Francisco!

John O'Hurley will perform the role of Billy Flynn for the two performances on Oct. 28.  Chicago is playing The Orpheum Theatre, located at on the corner of Hyde and Market at 8th St.

Performances through Nov. 5 are Tues - Sat at 8:00PM; Sat & Sun at 2:00PM; plus Oct. 29 at 7:30PM and Nov. 1 at 2:00PM.  For more information visit www.shnsf.com.

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