Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Directed by David Hyslop
Choreography by David Bushman
Re-created Ann Reinking
who used the Bob Fosse style
Musical Direction Jesse Kissel
Produced by Broadway In Chicago
“Give them the old razzle dazzle…razzle dazzle them”
Bold and Brassy bouncy Chicago still sizzles
I have seen many productions of Chicago and I’m always impressed by the quality control of each national tour I see. The producers keep Chicago bold and brassy with flawless dancers and terrific leads to bring thrills to audiences. No wonder it is the most successful remounted show ever.
After all these years – Chicago still packs a wallop. The slick, sassy, stylish and sophisticated Broadway musical that was remounted in 1996 from the original 1975 production (which ran for 936 performances). To date, Chicago’s 1996 production has played for more than 6,800 performances on Broadway making it one of the longest runs in history. Audiences love this show and the opening night audience at the Bank of America Theatre gave it a rousing standing ovation – me included! It’s that good and it never gets stale.
Despite the terrific film version, Chicago on stage still reigns. As many times as I have seen Chicago razzle dazzle, this production reached me as much as any other. I think it was the flawless Bob Fosse-style dance or maybe Kander & Ebb’s score or maybe the vibrant orchestra or maybe all of the above? I loved this toe-tapping, slick, sensual, almost erotic musical. Chicago proves that you don’t necessarily need a lavish set or flashy costumes to mount a hit musical. Rather a bouncy ’20s jazz score set to clever lyrics combined with trademark Bob Fosse-styled dances expertly performed with a variety of musical styles are all that is needed for a wonderful show. Chicago is sophisticated, stylish adult entertainment.
From the moment you hear the jazzy whining of the horns and the hypnotic rhythms of “All That Jazz” and see the boys and girls sleekly moving in unison, you know you’re in for a treat. John Kander’s music has a 1920s jazz based style with a tango, waltz, blues and unique dance-inspiring haunting melodies that cry out for movement. Chicago is signature Bob Fosse style, sleek, sexy, smooth, swift and sophisticated featuring arm and leg movements that evolve into unique formations and energetic interaction among the dancers resulting in pure erotic pulsating rhythms.
The story is about women who kill their lovers and flout justice in a Roaring ’20s satirical fable that jabs at society and the legal system. Bianca Marroquin is the sexy Roxie Hart and Terra C. MacLeod is Velma Kelly—both are outstanding triple threats, each can sing, are fine comic actors—and both are marvelous dancers. Marroquin brings cuteness to Roxie while MacLeod is the more sensual Velma. Both land their songs and dances deftly. The show ending duets: “Nowadays” and “Hot Honey Rag” danced and sang superbly.
The ensemble was the finest I’ve seen dancing Ann Reinking-Bob Fosse style numbers. “Roxie,” “Tap Dance” and the show stopper “Razzle Dazzle” were slick and flawless. I’ve not witnessed Fosse dances better performed. The ladies justify their crimes with the haunting “Cell Block Tango.”
John O’Hurley brings a fine voice and a commanding, self-aware presence to the shyster Billy Flynn. His “All I Care About” and “Razzle Dazzle” lead the way. Carol Woods, as Matron Morton, belted “When You’re Good to Mama” and the sarcastic “Class” with Terra C. MacLeod skillfully. Ron Orbach wins our hearts as the loser Amos Hart as he tenderly delivers “Mister Cellophane.”
This touring production is fresh, energetic, funny and well rehearsed featuring an “A” list ensemble of Broadway veteran dance pros. The orchestra, under Jesse Kissel’s direction, sounded terrific with exceptional brass work. Kander’s tuneful score is in good hands here.
If you want to see an expert Broadway musical, this production of Chicago sure qualifies. If you’ve never seen Chicago and/or you’ve only seen the film, then do get to the Bank of America Theatre to witness the “real” Chicago. There is nothing like a Bob Fosse dance show. Chicago is Fosse’s best. It is thrilling and so polished. Kudos to Broadway In Chicago for bringing back this classic if only for a week.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Performances ran through March 2, 2014, at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Running time was 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission.