Shubert Theatre
If you think the only reason to go see a big touring musical in the Loop is the huge sets and lavish costumes, think about going to see Chicago at the Shubert Theatre, you will realize how wrong you can be. Chicago is everything a musical should be. It is a celebration of musical theatre.
The original production of Chicago in 1975 was one of those big set extravaganzas, but curiously, it didn't do as well as this sparse revival. The original had everything; Bob Fosse, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, controversy, et al. This production is performed on what is essentially a base stage, and for the next two-and-a-half hours, we are treated to what is probably one of the highest quality productions I have ever seen.
The timing of this revival is chillingly appropriate, what with the two OJ trials, and more recently, Andrew Cunanan on the loose and in the papers. These two men received more media coverage than more important, less violent stories. But, it was what the public wanted. Maybe our society hasn't changed all that much since 1926.
Chicago, based on a play of the same title by Maurine Dallas Watkins (which had a very successful Broadway run in 1926) centers around Velma Kelly (Jasmine Guy) and Roxie Hart (Charlotte d`Amboise), two murderesses sitting in Cook County Jail awaiting trial for murder. Velma killed her husband and her sister when she found them in bed together, and Roxie killed her lover when he planned to walk out on her. They both realize that committing murder isn't such a bad thing if it gets your name in the paper. Both Roxie and Velma are assisted by Billy Flynn, a fast talking smooth and greasy lawyer (Obba Babatunde, who actually looks a little like Johnnie Cochran), who will go to any lengths to get clients acquitted, while Roxie's nebbishy husband Amos (Ron Orbach) foots the bill for his wife's defense. These two ladies realize that while fame is fleeting, it's good just to be noticed. In one very funny musical number, the "six merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail" sing the "Cell Block Tango", in which each of them (Jasmine Guy, Sharon Moore, Deidre Goodwin, Janine LaManna, Belle Calaway, and Mary McLeod.) has a story about the circumstances of their alleged crimes. It's effective and very funny. Director Walter Bobbie has taken this musical and broken it down to its bare elements, so what we get is basically a vaudeville show. I was slightly skeptical at first that this format would work, but after the opening number, "All That Jazz", I was sold. He places the company along the side of the stage while they are not performing so that they can participate in the action. He never lets us forget that we are in a theatre and that all this murder is just showbiz. Choreographer Ann Reinking gives this show an eerie quality that never lets up. This is Reinking's show. She was in the original company in 1975, and she played Roxie in the Broadway version of this current revival. The entire cast is probably the best ensemble I've seen. Jasmine Guy is terrific as Velma, she has a quality that is unmistakable. Her "When Velma Takes the Stand" is brilliantly choreographed. I can't believe what that woman can do with a chair. Charlotte d`Amboise's Roxie is everything you'd need in this role. She's sexy, a little dumb, and manipulative. Obba Babatunde's Billy Flynn, despite some weak singing, is slimy and sleazy. As Amos Hart, Roxie's husband, Ron Orbach is perfect. M.E. Spencer, as Mary Sunshine, the sob sister reporter, who makes her professional stage debut in this production is very good. Carol Woods, as "Mama" Morton, the jail matron, gives a disappointing performance, however. Her solo song "When You're Good to Mama" is chock full of innuendo, and she misses all of it.
While the leads are terrific for the most part, it's the ensemble that is the glue that holds the show together. They are incredible. Without them, this show would be ordinary. They truly are the reason for this show's success.
This is the kind of show that makes you glad there is such a thing as musical theatre. It is exuberant, sexy, funny and exciting. If you miss Chicago, you will regret it.
