REVIEW: Chicago, Newcastle Theatre Royal
Lesley Oldfield reports back from razzle dazzle central
Chicago is a true classic. This musical has more than its fair share of brilliant songs, delivered within a fascinating story and with sharp and sassy choreography.
Sex and violence propel the plot, set in the 1920s when jazz clubs and prohibition created a heady and dangerous mix. The original play was written by crime reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins who interviewed the women on “murderess row” and whose stories sold newspapers by the shedload.
In 1974 Kander and Ebb turned the play into the musical Chicago and commissioned Bob Fosse to choreograph it in what was a unique style when it debuted in 1975. Quite probably with help from his wife Gwen Verdon, the original Roxy Hart.
The curtains open to a bandstand occupying most of the stage and its 10 talented musicians – heavy on brass - play throughout, led by their conductor Neil MacDonald.
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They, like the whole cast, wear only black and the night proceeds with vaudeville-style introductions to the numbers which ensue. We start with All That Jazz, led by the amazing Djalenga Scott as murderess Velma along with the company scantily clad in leather, lace, sheers and sparkles.
They swing their hips and snap their fingers, twist their wrists and high-kick in true Fosse style, dancing with great precision, and great humour.
Then we meet Roxy, a faithless wife quick to shoot her current lover. Faye Brookes – Corrie’s Kate Connor – plays quick-witted Roxy who teams up with silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn to woo public opinion and pursue the fame she has always longed for.
Former Strictly professional Kevin Clifton, who has a long list of musical credits to his name, is Billy, sadly a largely non-dancing role. However, like his co-stars he can belt out a tune and plays the suave manipulator with a twinkle in his eye.
Golden-voiced Brenda Edwards is the prison matron, who rules and exploits the prisoners. You may recognise her from her spot on TV’s Loose Women. Her beautiful duet with Scott as they lament society’s lack of class had my companion nodding in agreement.
One of the show’s most touching moments goes to Roxy’s put-upon husband, played by Joshua Lloyd and his song Mr Invisible. I confess I first saw Chicago in 2006 when the late Dale Meeks stole my heart in the same role, playing back on his home turf.
It remains a great night out and a show no lover of musicals should miss. Set pieces like Cell Block Tango and the ventriloquism of We Both Reached for the Gun are simply unbeatable.
Chicago is at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal until Saturday, November 2, 2024. Tickets from the website.