Review: CHICAGO THE MUSICAL at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

Chicago, the winner of 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards and a Grammy, is now in its 20th year on Broadway, making it the longest-running musical revival and the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. The musical is set during the Prohibition-era in Chicago and is based on a play written by Maurine Dallas Watkins. Ms Watkins was a playwright and a Chicago Tribune reporter whose assignment was to cover the 1924 trials of accused female murderers Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner. Her sensational articles regarding the trials captivated the public and ignited a fascination with female murderers. Ms.Watkins found the trial so riveting, she wrote a play recounting the events. The trial made the narrative ripe for a clever Broadway musical. The book was written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Although written in 1975, the timeless piece is as relevant today as it was in the seventies. Many of the songs performed point to media corruption, implicative of the public's view of our current press.

As the story opens, Velma Kelly, (Terra C. MacLeod), finds her sister in bed with her husband, which drives her to their murders. Velma ends up in prison for killing them but, being the publicity-starved actress she is, has found satisfaction in the notoriety she is receiving while jailed for her crime. Roxie Hart, (Terra C. MacLeod), soon steals her limelight when she is imprisoned at the same facility for killing the man she has been seeing behind her husband's back. Representing the female vipers is the money-hungry lawyer Billy Flynn, (Brent Barrett), who knows how to manipulate the news. We come to know the rest of the women in prison through the clever "Cell Block Tango" song that gives each inmate the spotlight to sing about her crime and justify it. The matron of the prison is Mama Morton, (Roz Ryan), who keeps an eye out for the girls, in more ways than one.

All of the numbers have catchy tunes and memorable lyrics, the most famous of course being, "All That Jazz ". The staging is simple yet elegant and works well with the constant flow of dancers and scenario changes. Outside of chairs, which are skillfully imbedded in various scenes, there aren't a lot of props, but you don't need them. The fast-paced story and well-orchestrated lighting keeps your attention. During the show, theatergoers are invited in as cast members break the fourth wall and speak directly to the audience. The orchestra is set onstage facing the audience in a tiered platform allowing the opportunity to see them perform. Fosse's distinguishable choreography is masterful throughout the production. The show is sensuous, funny and authentically entertaining.

Ms. MacCloud as Velma Kelly delightfully sings and dances her way in to your heart. Ms. Croman embodies the naughty Roxie Hart with a sweet yet seductive presence. Together they radiate through several duets. Brent Barrett as the conniving attorney Billy Flynn is arrogantly dashing with slick moves, a powerful voice and great comedic timing. He shines in numbers such as "All I Care About," and "Razzle Dazzle". Ms. Ryan is glorious portraying Mama as she teases with the audience and captivates us all with her stand out number, "When You're Good to Mama". You just want to hug and take home the sweet Paul Vogt who plays Roxie's forlorn husband Amos. Mr. Vogt is anything but "transparent", in his song of dejection, "Mr. Cellophane". Local favorite, Sarasotan, Evelyn Christina Tonn is a statuesque danseuse with graceful moves and vocal dexterity who captures your attention as Mona.

Worth mentioning is Sarasota's audience response to the show. They laughed, cheered and applauded with fervor, which emanated so much energy throughout the building. This show is such a treat in so many ways and ending the evening with an audience-cast love fest is what great theater is all about.

Chicago runs through Sunday March 26, 2017 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. For more information visit, www.vanwezel.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.