Smoldering looks, pinstripes, fishnets, glitter, leather and all that jazz. No wonder Chicago is so infectious!
Whenever Chicago hits town it never falls short of glitz and glamour. Full of excitement, energy and show-stopping numbers, its razzle dazzle lyrics are true to form.
Cleverly written by the legendary Bob Fosse, John Kander and Fred Ebb, this popular musical first premiered on Broadway in 1975. It was based on the 1926 play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a crime reporter who created the story and characters from actual cases.
The story’s ‘celebrity criminal’ theme is an interesting one, considering its somber setting in a 1920’s Chicago women’s penitentiary. The characters include Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, both sentenced for the murder of their lovers, but given redemption through a showbiz career by star lawyer Billy Flynn and opportunist prison matron Mama Morton.
Currently enjoying an Australian tour, with direction from New Yorker Walter Bobbie, the local cast includes the excellent pairing of Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Neighbours) as Roxie and Alinta Chidzey (West Side Story) as Velma. Jason Donovan, also widely known for Neighbours takes on the role of Billy Flynn.
Donovan, who replaced Tom Burlinson from earlier in the tour, gives a surprising performance as the flashy Flynn. Having cut his teeth on West End productions such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, he defies his critics by literally hitting the right notes. However he does at times seem somewhat miscast and disconnected.
“Donovan’s vocal power, conviction and presence are fast making her a new diva in Australian theatre.”
But it is Casey Donovan who stands out as Matron Mama Morton. Although having less stage time than others, she still steals the show. The 2004 Australian Idol winner has proven her acting chops in productions such as The Flower Children, We Will Rock You and RENT. Her vocal power, conviction and presence are fast making her a new diva in Australian theatre. It would be no surprise to see her eventually hitting the West End and Broadway.
One of the notable things about Chicago is that it doesn’t rely on flashy set changes or lavish backdrops. The background orchestra, conducted by Daniel Edmonds (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) brings not only a wonderfully projected sound, but also a style and ambience worthy of a 1920’s speakeasy.
“Even those who generally don’t like musicals have been known to enjoy Chicago.”
The stylish costumes and simple sets easily compliment the story’s setting and characters. A dramatic execution scene, played out with a large rope and elaborate choreography is symbolically sufficient. But that’s as grim as it gets for Chicago. It really does shimmer and many will be reminded of the Oscar winning movie with Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones. In fact, the showstopper number When Velma Takes The Stand, with its falling glitter and framed neon-lit stage resembles all the magic of a Myer Christmas window!
Much credit should also go to the supporting cast, including Rodney Dobson (Evita) as Amos Hart, J Furtado (Hair) as the surprising Mary Sunshine, with Rachel Ward as Go-To-Hell Kitty, Travis Khan as Harry and Romina Villafranca plays Mona. As always, Chicago provides one sexy cast!
In the end, one can’t help but cringe at the fact that Velma and Roxie, both shameless murderers, are redeemed with new showbiz careers. Then again, it does reflect such criminal notoriety existing in our real world. Clever marketing can achieve wonders!
Overall there is something incredibly appealing about Chicago. Even those who generally don’t like musicals have been known to enjoy this vaudevillian foot-tapping production. It’s certainly worth sipping a gin, sitting back and enjoying ‘all that jazz’.
Chicago plays at Arts Centre Melbourne, State Theatre until 23 February.
For more: chicagothemusical.com.au
