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A Review from 5D Music & Theatre writer, Maria Robertson.
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On arrival at the theatre we were informed that Russell Watson was not appearing as had been previously advertised. However Liam Marcellino was taking his place as Billy Flynn. Similarly, Michelle Andrews was playing Velma Kelly instead of Djalenga Scott. Such are the covid ridden times we live in, or at least that is the presumption for the changes.
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My friend commented that she was unaware of who was in it anyway so what difference did it make, and that is a very good view to take.
All the parts were played, and wonderfully, in all professional productions such as this the understudies are trained up and raring to go, so the audience still gets the full experience of the show.
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Chicago is the story of chorus girls in the 1920s committing murder, usually of men, and deservedly so obviously. They then came under the care of Mama Morton, who would introduce them to the smooth defence lawyer Billy Flynn who did what he could to ensure they escape hanging. The main spotlights are on Velma Kelly, awaiting trial, and Roxie Hart (Faye Brookes). Roxie is married to a fairly dull mechanic but has an affair with a fit young dancer who tries to leave her, so she of course shoots him. She then gets caught up in the publicity that comes with the resulting court case and dreams of having her own dance show.
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The set is cleverly designed with the majority of it taken up with the live orchestra who play throughout, with the action taking place in front, in between or all around them. Frequently the dancers use a chair, but these are really the only additions to the front of the stage. Costumes are mostly black, with mixtures of sexual satin and luscious lace. The ladies wear high heels, again black and sexy.
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Scantily clad ladies who kill men who threaten or annoy them, its almost surprising this show has not been stopped by the PC brigade, but its a classic tale with some fabulous musical numbers – and who would not want to be able to dance like they do? I must admit to trying the sexy shimmy they do when I got home, the way they walk away with a gentle sway to their hands. Yep, its all very sexy – and we all know sex sells!
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And music heals the soul, it was hard not to sing along with “All That Jazz” and it is still in my head the next day.
The good news is they are touring the UK so you can have the chance for a sexy wee night out too Chicago the Musical | Official Site
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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