Review “Chicago” (Broadway in Chicago): Razzle Dazzle!

1ws9NA7fMzAQ1jFns8Ahk4aRgAxc5Z4AKFEWfYpEhk7EsxnhmBK1bzMSszw4CHa2DBroadway in Chicago and Producers Barry and Fran Weissler present the Tony Award winning smash-hit CHICAGO for a one week limited engagement. 

In 1995, CHICAGO won six Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival.  It’s easy to see and hear why.  The story is sensational. The songs are stirring. The dancing is sultry. And the costumes are sexy.  The synergy is completely Razzle Dazzle.

Chicago_IMG_9345-300x179The sultry mood is immediately set with Terra C. MacLeod (Velma) leading the ensemble in All That Jazz.  The choreographed moves, originally by Bob Fosse and currently by David Bushman, mirror the rhythmic bursts from the orchestra.  Music is very much a part of the story and the orchestra is predominately featured onstage. The singing, dancing and action happens around and sometimes in the elevated orchestra pit.  Conductor Rob Bowman even spiritedly interacts with the performers.    

One of my favorite numbers is Cell Block Tango. The ladies kill it. The song features the cheeky confessions of these murderers followed by a unified he had it coming.  The unique song (music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb) starts with each gal saying a singular word like ‘pop’ and ‘Cicero’. We learn the significance of the word in their solo moment.  It’s funny and erotic at the same time as the ladies seduce the audience in to taking their side.

CHICAGO is set in roaring 1920s Chicago. The questionable Chicago judicial system is key to the plot.  Returning to Chicago (my 2011 Review) is the charismatic John O’Hurley (Billy Flynn). O’Hurley, famed Pederman from the iconic Seinfeld series, is perfect in the role of the fast-talking attorney.  He performs his Razzle Dazzle with elegant hilarity.  He and Dylis Croman (Roxie) do an amusing ventriloquist number. O’Hurley smoothly puts words in Croman’s mouth as she flops around like a puppet.  The jabs at the media and lawyers rings hysterically true.     

Chicago_RozRyan_IMG_7713-300x200Also returning to Chicago is the fabulous Roz Ryan (Mama).  Ryan delivers When You’re Good to Mama with a steady moxie.  As the show is erupting like fireworks, Ryan confidently strolls in and takes command.  She zings the joke with a look or a word. Her ongoing contrast to the dynamic spectacle is memorable.

CHICAGO is what Chicago likes best… a good time! The show entertains with high energy spunk. From the first note, I started shoulder shimmying in my seat.  And I haven’t stopped yet as the unforgettable score continues playing in my head.   

If you’d a been there, if you’d a seen it

I think that you would have done the same

Go see CHICAGO!

Running Time:  Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission

At Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph

Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins

Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse

Music by John Kander

Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Directed by David Hyslop

Choreographed by David Bushman

Conducted by Rob Bowman

Wednesday at 2pm and 7:30pm

Thursday, Friday at 7:30pm

Saturday at 2pm and 8pm

Sunday at 2pm

Thru May 15th

Buy Tickets at www.broadwayinchicago.com

For more information and reviews on Chicago theatre, visit Theater in Chicago.

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