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| Chicago cast picture |
Chicago has been described in song as a toddlin' town, well it was toddling on into the Bass Hall for a very short visit - 2 days only the first of April. So, The Travelling Toe and theater pal, attended the Saturday matinee performance of "Chicago" before it toddled back out of town.
The great Bob Fosse was the original director and choreographer of the show.
"Chicago" opened on Broadway in 1975 and ran till 1977 for 936 performances. A revival in 1996, played to new audiences who were more receptive to Bob Fosse's creative dance style featured in this musical. A touring company was formed in 1997 and continues with a performance schedule.
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| BOB FOSSE |
The story takes place in Chicago (of course) in the roaring 20's ..."where the gin is cold but the piano's hot"...and all that Jazz!
The two female leads are Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly who are both in jail for murder. The slickest lawyer in town is Billy Flynn. He shows his skills as a lawyer in a fun number of giving the jury and judge the old "Razzle Dazzle" 'cause isn't that what lawyers do? Roxie's husband, Amos, is just "Mr.Cellophane" to one and all as you can see right through him as if he wasn't even there. Then there is the matron of the female cell block, "Momma" Morton, and "When You are Good To Mama" then Mama will be good to you!
This touring production was extremely well presented. All the leads were excellent singers, dancers, actors. The actress who played Roxie Hart, Dylis Croman, is a local girl who graduated from Booker T Washington Performing Arts School in Dallas. Terra C MacLeod, played Velma Kelly. They played off each other well, first as rivals then as friends. Brent Barrett, was sophisticated and suave as the shyster lawyer. Roz Ryan was fabulous in her role as Mama Morton and her voice bounced off the walls of Bass Hall and gave the Travelling Toe chills.
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| Dylis Croman Roxie Hart |
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| Terra C MacLeod Velma Kelly |
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| Brett Barrett Billy Flynn |
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| Roz Ryan Mama Morton |
One of the many great things about "Chicago" is that the band is on a tier bandstand at the back of the stage, so during the entire play you get to experience a real live musical performance. They were all outstanding musicians.
The supporting cast, who are the dancers and the singers, are part of the action on stage and play various characters throughout the play.
Having seen "Chicago" numerous times, even a Broadway production some years back, this touring production surpasses all of them...it was that enjoyable.
The Travelling Toe would not move to Chicago, but would like to visit again if it comes back to town. We all need a little razzle dazzle every once in a while.
Chicago The Musical Tour
Disclaimer: The Travelling Toe is not a professional theater critic and any opinions expressed are for entertainment purposes only.
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