I have never seen the staged version of Chicago The Musical but was dazzled by the 2002 film version directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall whereby the camera seemed to dance with the performers. I am therefore looking forward with anticipation to the ‘live’ version commencing at the Capitol Theatre on the 20th August.
Based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, it was lifted from that time by musical composers Fred Ebb and John Kander and became a Broadway smash in 1975 with choreography by the legendary Bob Fosse. In 1996 it was revived, this time with choreography by Ann Reinking based on Fosse’s work and this version has become the longest running American musical in West End history, collecting on the way 6 Tony awards, 2 Olivier awards and a Grammy award. It has been by over 31,000, 000 people in 36 countries and with its Australian season will surely add to that number.
The producers, John Frost and Suzanne Jones, have assembled a strong cast to launch this new version of ‘Chicago’. Natalie Bassingthwaighte will play the rebellious Roxy Hart whilst Alinta Chidzey plays her partner in crime the glamorous Velma Kelly. Casey Donovan plays the hard nosed and assertive prison warden, Matron, ‘Momma’ Morton.
Playing the role of the under-handed and manipulative Billy Flynn is the ‘Man From Snowy River’ and Sinatra revivalist, Tom Burlinson who will appear in the Sydney and Brisbane seasons, with Jason Donovan helming the Melbourne season.
The rehearsal I attended at the rehearsal space at Opera Australia was one week old and despite the brevity of time, already the singing and dancing sounded great.
With a few more weeks of refinement and burnishing I feel sure that Sydney will be presented with a polished and dazzling premiere season at the Capitol Theatre.
Featured image – The cast of ‘Chicago. All images by Ben Apfelbaum.
https://www.chicagothemusical.com.au
