Chicago which has been honoured with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy dazzled its way into the Festival Theatre in Adelaide as part of its national tour.
The longest-running show now playing on Broadway had a cast featuring one of Australian theatre’s greatest leading men, Anthony Warlow, as the cunning and charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn. Returning to the stage to play the powerful and glamorous Velma Kelly is one of Australia’s favourite actors, Zoë Ventoura, opposite musical theatre star Lucy Maunder as the irreverent and determined Roxie Hart As Roxie’s gullible and hapless husband, Amos, is much-loved comedy icon and character actor Peter Rowsthorn, and Asabi Goodman plays the tough and sassy prison warden Matron ‘Mama’ Morto.
It was now for the audience to experience the opening night for Chicago.
The band was all on stage which is different to previous versions of this musical that has played in Australia. With all cast members wearing the same costume, we open up with the big hit of “All that Jazz”. The hit songs continue on with dance choreography that is on point and dazzles.
Even though the costumes don’t have a distinctive 1920’s look to it, and seem to have more of a modern design, they are still specular with all cast members looking fabulous.
The band comprising fourteen members are fantastic and get their own time to shine at the start of the second act with their own number. The conductor also plays a part in various scenes with extreme confidence which was a nice touch to the musical.
Lucy Maunder plays Roxie Hart with absolute radiance. Lucy was natural, effortless, appeared to enjoy the role she was playing. Zoe whilst a seasoned actress, the role she played didn’t come as naturally to her. Lucys musical experience was on display. Zoe bought her own unique energy, amazing dance skills, and craft to Chicago
The true polished star performer of the show was Anthony Warlow who shines in his role of Lawyer Billy Flynn. A charming performer with an incredible voice who was also able to capture many laughs from the audience through his comedic delivery for various scenes.
Peter Rowsthorn who plays the hapless husband Amo Hart is all too brief in act one, but has a much bigger role in act two and plays his part with fantastic energy and is a big hit with the audience.
The show ends on a massive high with a finale duet by Zoe and Lucy to the “Hot Honey Rag” number. The musical score throughout the show is amazing with Razzle Dazzle being a personal favourite. Although, All that Jazz is what will probably have you singing for your drive home. This is one musical full of razzle and dazzle, with unforgettable music and dance, and mesmerizing performances thrown in for good measure.
Chicago is on at Festival Theatre until Saturday, August 31 with many performances already sold out. Get your tickets here at Chicago The Musical tickets | Festival Theatre | Ticketek Australia. It would be a crime to miss it.
Review by Tony Polese
No Comments