“Chicago” sizzled in the 1920s Ambassador Theater with the cooing tones of “All that Jazz,” creating a cool prohibition club vibe. Velma Kelly played by Amra-Faye Wright, demonstrated her vocal prowess with the classic song as she belted, “Come on babe/ Why don’t we paint the town?/And all that Jazz/ I’m gonna rouge my knees /And roll my stockings down /And all that jazz.”
The play moved along as Roxie Hart (Bianca Morroquin) danced with a man. While the number lit up the stage, the platform was bathed in a cherry-red light. Roxie shot her ex lover and ended up telling her husband that he was an intruder.
The sweet but naïve husband Amos ( Raymond Bokhour) blurted out that the man was the furniture salesman, and the act continued with Roxie slinking up the side of the stage and singing “Funny Honey” in a drawn out, sultry voice. Roxie donned a short black dress with long black lace sleeves and a plunging neckline. Her hair was pulled in a ballerina bun complete with burgundy red lips.
The song was difficult to hear and I wished that the sound of the mic over the orchestra was higher. This became an issue throughout both acts of the show. The orchestra on stage was incredible, but overpowered the singer’s voices.
The part was a little difficult to discern on stage. Velma was charged with killing her husband and her sister, who were sneaking around behind her back. The Kelly sisters once headlined an act as jazz singers and dancers.
Both Velma and Roxie will meet in a place a lot less exciting than the jazz club but filled with its own drama and buzz.
When Roxie set her patent leather heels on the ground, she was escorted away wearing handcuffs by a police officer.
The best part of the show was only beginning.
The “Six Merry Murderesses” of the prison, all dressed in black bustiers and revenge gave a scintillating performance. Velma and the others told their stories of what made them snap set to an upbeat and infectious dance number. They swung their legs and kicked around chairs all spewing, “He had it coming, he had it coming/He only had himself to blame/If you’d have been there, if you’d have seen it/I betcha you would have done the same.”
The dancers in the cast were amazing, quick on their feet and the passion and fun of the song was evident. It would have been interesting if cell blocks or a stage with cell bars was set up as a prop too.
Mama (Carmen Ruby Floyd) was a powerful singer and I was wowed by her singing range and stage presence. The lecherous lawyer Billy Flynn (Christopher Fizegerald) was effortless as the man who “cares about love” but requests 5,000 dollars from the inmates to make their trials into a celebrity scene.
In “We Both Reached for the Gun” the entire ensemble was on point with the fast moving dance. Billy Flynn acted as the ventriloquist for Roxie as she recites his script in order to turn her case into a media frenzy in Chicago.
Marroquin shined in “Roxie” showing her comedic and dancing skills in a swirl of sass.
She explained her story of how she was lacking attention and love at home and how she always wanted to have her name up in lights and in the papers. She beamed like a little girl holding up the newspaper fresh from the presses with Roxie’s name in the headlines.
Roxie was featured for being a murderess instead of a Vaudville dancer and starlet, but that did not phase her sweet smile. Excitement glittered as she danced across the stage. I was impressed by her dance routines and her easy charm with comedy.
The entire second act was a showstopper with Roxie’s case. Velma learned that she needed to partner with Roxie, who she once scorned. The girls learned that the people of Chicago and the miracle worker lawyer did not care for those wallowing in prison without their names being relevant.
A Hungarian who trotted in the “Cell Block Tango” was the only truly innocent “murderess.” Hunyak (Tonya Whaten) did not have the luxury of an attorney and was hanged.
When an heiress became the next hottest murderess after seeing her man with other women and, the town erupted in a media blitz, Roxie knew that her time was scarce. She played the game and faked a pregnancy in order to have the town tumble and fawn over her, so that she had a shot at a trial and freedom.
After winning the case in a carefully orchestrated number as Flynn “Razzle Dazzled” the jury as a captive audience, all of the attention faded away.
Roxie was determined to follow her dream as a dancer and Velma needed a partner for her show. The two appeared in front on a background of tinsel in black jackets and short dresses, performing “Hot Honey Rag.” The finale lacked the intricate and sexy flair for a final number, but it was a fitting end for the two inmates turned starlets.
“Chicago” is an experience I would recommend for anyone to enjoy, especially those who have heard the story of seen the movie versions. The trip, hosted through SeaL was a steal for only 35 dollars for tickets and transportation to New York City. Standing in the theater and walking around the bustling and lively streets makes anyone believe in making a name for yourself and following your dreams. Everyone needs a little razzle dazzle in their lives.
@jessicaparadysz
