The Wales Millennium Centre is really getting the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ treatment with Chicago: The Musical storming onto the stage on its latest tour. Based on the 1926 play, of the same name, by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the musical is well known for its sexy, satirical take on the criminal justice system of 1920s America and the influencers of the day, the murderesses of Cook County Jail. The show opens with a single hat upon a chair and the mantra; “Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.” This sets the stage for all that Chicago stands for and will deliver across the Fosse, Kander and Ebb penned musical.
Velma welcomes us to the show with ‘All That Jazz,’ interspersed with the action of Roxie murdering her lover, Fred Casely, as he attempts to break off the affair that has been going on right under the nose of her husband, Amos. The action quickly moves to the Cook County Jail where we meet Matron ‘Mama’ Morton and the inmates of the jail. They are the ‘celebrities’ of the day with each of them clamouring for press coverage and interviews and all of them desperate to work with smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. The treacherous, fantastical events that unfold as the show progresses are complemented by some of the most well-known songs in musical theatre and the iconic, stylish dance moves that truly epitomise this as a Kander, Ebb and Fosse production.
Chicago always has a minimal set with chairs lining stage right and stage left for the performers to reside upon until they are called to the front of the stage. This iteration, however, includes the band front and centre with a huge band stand right in the middle of the stage, with steps and levels that the performers utilise to great effect, appearing and descending the stairs to the stage, even involving the conductor in the action. This change really brings the band into the centre of the action, and, after all, Chicago is all about the jazz at the centre of its story. The band become performers too; I particularly enjoyed the opening of Act II where they really stole the show during the entr’acte. The well-known music of the show really comes to life with this excellent band, musically directed by Neil Macdonald.
The dancing of the show is, of course, iconic and it is faithfully recreated here by choreographer Gary Chryst with direction recreated by Tânia Nardini. The ensemble is excellent; their synchronicity and execution of this classic choreography is flawless. They also multi-role and change roles mid scene seamlessly. The iconic sequences are recreated with poise and precision; the ‘puppetry’ in ‘We Both Reached for the Gun’ is particularly enjoyable as is the recreation of the original choreography by Bob Fosse in ‘Hot Honey Rag.’ ‘Cell Block Tango’ is also a standout moment in the show, brilliant vocals here perfectly complemented by fantastic choreography.
The production is cast well but I must particularly mention Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton. Her long-standing association with the role, (in fact the Mama Morton was her West End debut in 2006) is so evident. She is poise personified as she performs ‘When You’re Good to Mama;’ her vocals and confident portrayal here is a joy to watch, she truly owns the stage. I also particularly enjoyed Velma, played by Djalenga Scott. All three disciplines exceptionally executed, her opening of ‘All That Jazz’ truly shows off her abilities to the fullest. I loved the Velma and Mama duet, ‘Class,’ a quieter moment of the show in amongst all the madcap action, but there are some gorgeous harmonies here. Mister Cellophane himself, Amos Hart is brought to life before us by the talented Joshua Lloyd. He is hapless, yet loveable and ‘Mister Cellophane’ is performed to perfection. A special mention too to Jordan Lee Davies, as Mary Sunshine. His vocals in ‘A Little Bit of Good’ are insane, an impressive, assured performance and a fantastically funny reveal towards the end of the show!
Chicago is a sexy, stylish, fantastical, dark but often hilarious musical with just the right amount of drama mixed in with that well needed element of escapism. With a hugely talented cast and ensemble, songs that will have you tapping your feet and dance sequences that will make you want to jump up in the aisles and join in, it’s a fantastic night out that will high kick into your memory, sprinkle some ‘razzle dazzle’ and stay there for a long time.