“Chicago- The Play”

*** The actual title of the World Premiere that opened at Redtwist Theatre today is “Chicago: Queerly Adapted From The Play You’ve Never Heard of  That Inspired the Musical, You Can’t Get Away From”, which is quite a mouthful. This play is written by Maurine Dallas Watkins and was adapted by Eileen Dixon and Dusty Brown. This is a queer adaptation of the original “ChicagO’ that Watkins wrote back in 1926. The play is a satirical look at Chicago during the roaring 20’s and has some of the characters that made “Chicago: The Musical” the hit that it was.

It is a story about police, jounalism and of course love ( and lawyers). Of greater importamce, the play looks at the importance of the criminals, because, let’s face it, it is the criminals that  keep the lawyers and writers ( and in today’s world the TV and radio personalities) working. Based on what we were told before today’s performance, Watkins was a writer for the Chicago Tribune back in those days, and for thos eof you unaware of the facts of Chicago, there was a Roxy Hart, there was a murder and this all took place during what is known as “the Jazz Age” in Chicago.

For those who know the Red Twist on Bryn Mawr, it has undergone a few changes and is far more comfortable than in the old days. They even have some concessions and sitting areas that are cozy, so coming early ( in order to find parking) works. Be aware that on a Sunday, the meters are FREE and the coffee shop two doors down is closed. Hamburger Mary’s is open, so if you come early on a Sunday, one can grab a great burger. Since this is the season of Redtwist’s “Defiant Femmes”, this play works into that theme and the cast assembled handles this satirical look with great ease, never breaking up ( there were several spots where that could have happened).

The actual names of the women that are considered the main characters were Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner. The names were changed in th eoriginal script and I guess force.  I was quite impressed with Chelsea Rolfes in the role of Roxie Hart, andJT Nagle as her husband, Amos. The opening story is pretty close to the way the musical version is done, but in this production, the curtain opens ( oh, I forgot, at Redtwist, there is no curtain…just a bare stage with a mattress on it) with Roxie having simulated intercourse with Fred Casely ( Jack Seijo handles this scene) who is shot and then the fun begins. Please be aware that later in the play, Seijo returns as non other than Billy Flynn ( and truly shines in this role).

The rest of the cast is made up of some fun loving ensemble memebrs. Jasmine “Jaz” Robertson handles Zelda Morton ( sort of the jailhouse Mama) as well as The Judge in the final courtroom scenes. Shaina Toledo take son Moe Watkins, Ashley Anderson, the role of Little Mary Sunshine, Velma and Rosie is handled to perfection by Laura Sturm, Caroline Kidwell, the roles of Harrison, Liz and Kitty and last , but certainly not least, Macaria Chaparro Martinez as Magdalena and Murdock. These 9 actors playing a number of roles do an amazing job of switching characters , and costumes ( Madeline Felauer) without breaking the action.

As mentioned previously, this is a black box theater with chairs on two sides on tiers and one row lined up againts the East wall. The action takes place on an area that is probably no larger that 14′ x 26′ that converts into several different sets ( designed by Brandii Champagne) and the props (Leo Bassow) are terrific. “Chicago” is about crime, but in reality it is more about the system and how sometimes who you are, or who you know can make all the difference in the world. Just look ath the news. We read about criminals who we know did the deed, yet they escape harsh punishment, while others who are poor or have no “friends in power” end up spending years incarcerated. The system has not changed much since the roaring 20’s and watching this story unfold shows that the game has not chnaged…much!

“Chicago: The Play” will continue at Redtwist Theatre located at 1044 West Bryn Mawr Avenue thruNovember 23rd with performances as follows:

Thursdays   7:30 p.m.

Fridays         7:30 p.m.

Saturdays     7:30 p.m.

Sundays        3:30 p.m.

Tickets are available from $10- $60 and can be purchased at www.RedtwistTheatre.org

student discounts, senior discounts available

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Chicago: Queerly Adapted From The Play You’ve Never Heard of That Inspired the Musical You Can’t Get away From”.