Kander and Ebb’s classic Chicago has been jazzing up the theatre scene for 50 years, in no small part thanks to its 1996 Broadway revival that’s still going strong with its never-ending revolving stunt casting, along with the multi Academy Award-winning film. Now back for a UK tour, was it able to give me the old razzle-dazzle?
I was gifted a press ticket in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Chicago
Cast
- Roxie Hart: Faye Brooks
- Velma Kelly: Djalenga Scott
- Billy Flynn: Kevin Clifton
- Matron ‘Mama’ Morton: Brenda Edwards
- Amos Hart: Joshua Lloyd
- Mary Sunshine: Jordan Lee Davies
Rating: ★★★★
What is Chicago about?
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.
What are my thoughts on Chicago?
Chicago is one of those musicals that remains beloved by the public for its sex appeal and Kander and Ebb’s recognisable jazzy score, but watching it for the first gave me an appreciation for what it’s saying. Satirising the seductive yet fleeting nature of fame, the power of PR twisting the narrative, and turning serious crimes into a media circus, Kander and Ebb’s writing carries an enduring relevancy even with its 1920’s vaudeville setting. Tania Nadini’s direction for this tour, taken from Walter Bobbie, balances the grit and humour, hilariously depicting the extremes Roxie and Billy take for her name to stay in the papers and the seriousness of the consequences if the verdict swings the other way.
Besides its penchant for star/stunt casting, what makes Chicago remembered has been Bob Fosse’s iconic choreography, immaculately reborn by Anne Reinking for the 1996 revival and equally by Gary Chryst for this tour. With jazz hands, sharp angles and hip thrusts galore, it oozes sensuality while carrying of the show’s humour, becoming its own character. Bombastic numbers like We Both Reached For The Gun and Cell Block Tango are particular highlights that left the audience erupting with applause at press night. All is helped by John Lee Beaty’s set design and William Ivey Long’s costumes, immersing the audience into Chicago’s sultry world of vaudeville with bistro style chairs, lingerie, bowler hats and fishnet tights, and a live band.
What’s the cast like?
Faye Brookes returns as Roxie Hart for the tour and is a stunning triple threat. Balancing the cunning manipulator and wide-eyed naivete truly believing her murder will make her a star, Brookes makes Roxie’s arc engaging as she learns a hard lesson on 15 minutes of fame while being a huge ball of energy going all out with the choreography and facial expressions.
Equally as compelling is Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly. Exuding class and refinement the moment she steps onstage, her showstopping All That Jazz is only a taste of her abilities onwards. Biting and razor-sharp, Scott makes Kelly easy to sympathise with her desperation to stay relevant on top of possessing powerhouse vocals and slickly carrying Fosse’s choreography.
Strictly Come Dancing star Kevin Clifton makes for a pleasant surprise as charismatic sleazeball Billy Flynn. Effortlessly swaying his way through his (too few) dance numbers, he carries a roguish charm to numbers such as Razzle Dazzle. Another returning face is Brenda Edwards who makes for a reliable showstopper as prison warden Mama Morton, with her opener ‘When You’re Good To Mama’ leaving an impact.
While overlooked within the narrative (and often the show itself), Joshua Lloyd brings honest emotion as Roxie’s bumbling husband Amos Hart, making his number Mr. Cellophane a highlight. Jordan Lee Davies meanwhile carries stunning operatic vocals as sob story journalist Mary Sunshine.
What are my overall thoughts?
A sexy, slick and sophisticated showbiz palaver, Chicago remains a theatre classic and this UK tour lives up to its old school razzle-dazzle. With Kander and Ebb’s tunes and Fosse’s sultry choreography performed by a top class ensemble all-round, you’ll be in for a glamorous time down Cook County Jail.
Chicago runs at the New Theatre Oxford until March 1st 2025.
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