Nightclub sensation Velma murders her philandering husband, and Chicago’s slickest lawyer, Billy Flynn, is set to defend her. But when Roxie also winds up in prison, Billy takes on her case as well, turning her into a media circus of headlines. Neither woman will be outdone in their fight against each other and the public for fame and celebrity.
“Chicago,” whose Broadway revival is the longest-running American musical and the second longest-running show in Broadway history, is truly a force to be reckoned with. The original play, written by John Kander and which started out on Broadway in 1926, received fire under its belly after Bob Fosse’s wife encouraged him to consider it for Broadway adaptation. Set in the Jazz Age in Chicago, this six-time Tony and Grammy Award-winning production merits itself on the journalizing impact of sensationalizing women who basically get away with murder. Then reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins made an amazing decision to share with the world, the crimes she reported on and the idealism of a “Celebrity Criminal” and its societal impact and thus, “Chicago” was born.
“Chicago,” with its several adaptations over the years, isn’t just a musical, it is a fully-choreographed and highly vocalized rendition surrounding Cook County and its acquittals of women which rocked an entire community. It also delves into relationships amongst friends and lovers who tried to protect one another due to their loyalty and kindred spirits. The biggest players in this production are Roxie Hart (Dylis Croman), Velma Kelly (Terra C. McLeod), Attorney Billy Flynn (Tom Hewitt) and Matron “Mama” Morton (Roz Ryan). Each of these characters has the uncanny ability to rise above the unpopular and accusatory comments regarding their actions and attempt to stay focused on their crafts. Their unparalleled resistance to the naysayers seems to be the energy that catapults them to self-redemption and emotional freedom.
This particular production is just as classy as ever and hails an extremely talented crew that gives more than 100% throughout every single scene. The athleticism and sexiness of the entire production make for bountiful and extremely high-powered entertainment. The musical score and vocals scream “Bob Fosse” and send it over the roof as the artists pile up on one another with a whirlwind of lusty moves that the audience cheers on. Director Walter Bobbie should be amazingly proud of his work as this crime-filled taste of the good life, leaves you wanting more!
Now playing at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas thru December 23rd
