SMOOTH CRIMINALS
Lip gloss, mascara, murder… and all that jazz. Chicago is still killing it.
THEATRE: CHICAGO.
Whenever Chicago hits town it never fails to razzledazzle with glitz, glamour, excitement and energy. Cleverly written by the legendary Bob Fosse, John Kander and Fred Ebb, this ever-popular musical premiered on Broadway in 1975. It was based on the 1926 play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a crime reporter who created the story and characters from actual cases.
The story’s “celebrity criminal” theme is an interesting one, considering its somber setting in a Chicago women’s penitentiary in the 1920s. The characters include Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, both sentenced for the murder of their lovers, but offered redemption through showbiz careers by star lawyer Billy Flynn and opportunistic prison matron Mama Morton.
Currently enjoying an Australian tour with direction from New Yorker Walter Bobbie, the local cast includes the excellent pairing of Natalie Bassingthwaighte (Rogue Traders, Neighbours) as Roxie and Alinta Chidzey (West Side Story) as Velma.
Jason Donovan, also widely known for Neighbours, takes on the role of Billy Flynn. He replaces Tom Burlinson from earlier in the tour, and gives a surprising performance as the flashy Flynn. He cut his teeth in West End productions such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and he defies his critics by literally hitting the right notes. However, he does, at times, seem somewhat disconnected.
But it is Casey Donovan as Matron Mama Morton who stands out. Although with less stage time than others, she steals the show. The 2004 Australian Idol winner has proven her acting chops in productions such as The Flower Children, We Will Rock You and RENT. Her vocal power, conviction and presence are fast making her a new diva in Australian theatre.
It would be no surprise to see her eventually hitting the West End and Broadway.
One of the notable things about this production of Chicago is that it doesn’t rely on flashy set changes or lavish backdrops. The background orchestra, conducted by Daniel Edmonds (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) brings not only a wonderfully projected sound but also a style and ambience worthy of a 1920s speakeasy.
The stylish costumes and simple sets easily compliment the story’s setting and characters.
A dramatic execution scene, played out with a large rope and elaborate choreography, is symbolically sufficient.
But that’s as grim as it gets for Chicago.
It really does shimmer, and many will be reminded of the Oscar-winning movie with Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones. In fact, the showstopping number, When Velma Takes The Stand, with its falling glitter and framed neon-lit stage, resembles all the magic of a Myer Christmas window!
Much credit should also go to the supporting cast including Rodney Dobson, J Furtado, Rachel Ward, Travis Khan and Romina Villafranca. As always, Chicago provides one sexy cast!
The moral ambiguity of the show’s end, when shameless murderers Velma and Roxie are redeemed with showbiz careers, reflects the state of the world today. Clever marketing and the smoke-and-mirrors of the entertainment industry are used by criminal political leaders and reality stars the world over.
Overall, there is something incredibly appealing about Chicago. Even those who generally don’t like musicals have been known to enjoy this vaudevillian foot-stomper. It’s certainly worth sipping a gin, sitting back and enjoying all that jazz.
Casey Donovan’s vocal power and presence are making her a new diva of Australian theatre.