ACT One show did not fail to entertain

SHEPSHED-BASED young people’s theatre company ACT One put on the High School edition of the 1920s period musical Chicago at The Iveshead Theatre in Shepshed.

And from the opening number ‘All That Jazz’ the show did not fail to entertain.

With music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Chicago takes a look at the concept of the ‘celebrity criminal’, as well as corruption in the criminal justice system in the Jazz Age in that city.

The show is full of songs that can stand on their own, away for the show. I tend to view that as a positive sign about the score of the show, and so it proved here. From the opening lines of ‘All That Jazz’ with

Georgia as Velma Kelly leading the company through that great intro number, the show never fails to deliver.

Velma’s great rival, so to speak, is Roxie Hart, played by Yasmin. Married Roxie is charged with murdering her boyfriend Fred Casely, and while in prison her awaiting trial she hires lawyer Billy Flynn, portrayed by Will. Flynn does eventually succeed in obtaining not guilty verdicts by the jury. Velma, also on trial for a separate case, is also acquitted. On the way to these verdicts the company give great entertainment with songs in the First Act such as ‘Cell Block Tango’, where the various female prisoners tell about their murder charge. Late in the Second

Act ‘Razzle Dazzle’ is given a fine rendition by Billy and the Ensemble.

A particular favourite of mine is ‘Mr Cellophane’, from the Second Act. This a solo number performed by Roxie’s husband Amos, and Alex gives the song a powerful rendition, capturing the feel of this down-trodden character.

Producer and Director Adrian Dobson steers the show well, the fine work by Choreographer Wendy Spencer and Musical Director Carolyn Necklen is also apparent.

Overall the company can be proud of their production and, once more, highlighting the talent of the members of ACT One.

By John Bryson