“Chicago” 2019 version

[rating=3] Over the years, we have witnessed many productions of the musical “Chicago”, with a book by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Theater buffs might recognize these names from “Cabaret”. “Chicago” symbolizes the style and grace of Bob Fosse, who was in fact, a Chicagoan and under the direction and choreography or Walter Bobbie ( director) and Ann Reinking (choreographer) we still feel the original emotion that Fosse put into his creation. FYI- This is the longest running musical, ever ( or so they tell us), yet, they only have it here for a week. Seems odd!

While I love the concept and the story, this production is not up to what we have had in the past. I have to put th blame on having a football player, one Eddie George in the male lead role of  Billy Flynn. This role calls for a stronger song and dance man ( I know, Richard Gere did the role in the movie version, and he is certainly not a song and dance man, but he was able or “Razzle Dazzle” us) The Heisman Trophy may be on Eddie George’s mantel, but I do not anticipate any Tony Awards for his musical performance!

On the other hand, the two female leads were terrific. Velma Kelly ( the sexy Lana Gordon) who opens the show with “All That Jazz” is a sensuous dancer. While her voice started out a bit on the nasal side, it may have been a slight sound problem, because as the evening went on and we heard more of her, she got better. Her co-star, Roxie Hart , who is also her competition ( a dynamite performance by Dylis Croman) holds the stage and wins out hearts very early in her story telling. Great dancer, wonderful range and guess what, great comic timing.

Speaking of comic timing, Amos Hart (her hubby) is played by Paul Vogt) and he is a stitch with his rendition of “Mister Cellophane”. I Love you, I Love You! This is a famous line that those familiar with the play will chuckle at. The other major part in the show is that of Matron “Mama” Morton played to perfection by Jennifer Fouche. The ensemble of dancers and singers are remarkable as they become whatever the script calls for, just by being there. A Special award should go to Matthew Winnegge who plays the entire jury during the final trial. He is a stitch as he changes characters and costumes along with his personalities in just seconds. Great work, Matthew. By the way, reporter, Mar Sunshine is played by D. Ratell who has a strikingly different voice.

Now, let’s mention the ensemble.Andrew Eckert, Kyle Dupree, Monica Woods, Arian Keddell, Lani Corson, Alexa Jane Lowis, Alida Michal, Evelyn Christina Tonn, Seth Danner, Taylor Collins, Anthony LaGuardia and Deon Ridley. They are on stage just about the entire play as are the members of the orchestra led by Andrew Bryan who actually is part of the show.

The songs are many and memorable. “Me and My Baby”, “Hot Honey Rag” , “Class”, “Roxie” ( a number that will make you fall in love with Roxie), “A Little Bit of Good”, “Cell Block Tango” The opener “All That Jazz” and many others, each helping to develop the story of a dancer , married to a loser, who shoots her lover and goes to jail. How can she avoid being hanged? Get the best damn lawyer and “Razzle Dazzle” the jury. But wait- there is already a woman who wants to be discovered for a show biz career doing the same thing. The competition grows between the women- who will be the victor?

This is a one week run at The Cadillac Palace Theatre located at 151 West Randolph Street, with performances as follows:

Price: $27-$102 and can be purchased at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or at any of the BroadwayInChicago box offices

Show Type: Musical

Box Office: 800-775-2000

Running Time: 2hrs, 30mins; one intermission

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Chicago”  make sure you get the current production.