This is a hugely popular show, a real 'evergreen' one might say; and strangely enough, it is the Teen edition ( a cut down and 'tamed' version for teenagers ) that is the version i now more often get to see. It is a highly sexy, sassy, and no-holes barred show in its 'adult version', but here most of the swearing, many of the sexual references, and the a couple of the characterisations have been tempered down, It does lose something certainly by doing this, but the essence of the show is still there. And indeed, the essence was there this evening in large amounts. Director Helen Wilkinson and choreographer Suzi Cleary worked excellently together to create this spectacle. they both obviously understood the milieu, style, and genre of this show and did their best to instill this insight into their young cast, most of whom "got it" completely, and had no trouble with the physicality and sass necessary to bring this show off. Bravo!!
For those of you who don't know, then the musical, Chicago, is based on real events that happened in Chicago in the 1920s and tells the story of two murderesses who, thanks to the 'brilliance' of an expert lawyer, are acquitted of their crimes and go on a Vaudeville tour together! It's highly theatrical, bold, brash, and the writers Kander and Ebb infuse their score with jazz and razzle-dazzle throughout, making it a true vaudeville entertainment in itself.
Of course opening night saw several hiccups and hiatuses, which will undoubtedly be ironed out as the run progresses, and the cast need to relax more into their roles and allow the show to bed-in and be comfortable. All this of course though is totally understandable and forgivable. And an extra pat on the back to Ben Bardsley, who continued with his 'Mr. Cellophane' song this evening as though that was exactly how it was meant to have been presented! Well done young man!
Right from the very start of this show - the overture, the lights [LX design by MSL was truly stunning throughout!] and the raising of the 'Chicago' sign - we knew we were in for a treat. The feel of the show captured perfectly in this simple but effective bare stage.
The entire cast must be heartily congratulated, and their dedication, enthusiasm, and indeed ability are all highly commendable; and to learn that their ages ranged from 13-only 18 was inspiring too. Velma Kelly was played by Ashleigh Smith with an energy and verve rarely seen on stage by any performer (professional or amateur regardless of age!) and her understanding of the role and her obvious total enjoyment and commitment to it was a sheer joy. Matching her pace for pace was her co-star Roxie Hart, played by a young Sylvie Knightley, again revelling in her role. We cheered her on, we felt sorry for her, we hated her, we wanted her to hang, then we loved her again.....! superb! Cavan Jefferson gave us an intelligent and clear portrayal of the materialistic and narcissistic lawyer, Billy Flynn, whilst Amos Hart (Ben Bardsley) did his best to be noticed whilst everyone else overlooked him. A nicely pitched performance. Rebecca Lyons played Matron Mama Morton - and it is here that one of the biggest change of the teen edition's show occurs, and for me, turns her character into a side-note rather than main lead which is a real shame. Morton is not a butch lesbian anymore and she no longer feels up all the girls, and the best song in the whole show 'Class', is cut. So instead, whoever plays this part is left with only an outline of what was intended for her character, and Lyons played that outline to the hilt, milking it for all it was worth. Good on ya gal! Another big change in the show comes in the form of Mary Sunshine. However, many adult shows use a female to play this part too, so it is not as significant. Here a very young looking Emily Sapseid made Sunshine shine!
The 'Merry Murderesses' were Maizie Stanbank, Isabella Shafai, Cleo Avanessian Lucy Jones, and Victoria Phelan. Sadly the programme doesn't tell me which of these was Hunyak - but whichever you were then to my untrained ear at least, your Hungarian sounded native. These principals were backed by an ensemble of 16 more all making their mark this evening. A highly intelligently realised and professionally directed and produced production of one of Musical theatre's 'staples', and a very enjoyable evening out in the company of so many talented youths.
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
On - 18.3.27
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