Chicago Is All Razzle Dazzle

Touring Production Of Hit Revival Musical Returns To Toronto

Nov 26, 2006

Having just celebrated it's 10th Anniversary on Broadway, Chicago has proven to be one the most successful revivals in theatre history.

The show began performances on November 14th, 1996 and is still going strong. A revolving door of celebrities have performed in the show, including Usher, Ashlee Simpson, James Naughton, Bebe Neuwirth, Michael C. Hall, Taye Diggs, Brooke Shields, Melanie Griffith and Kevin Richardson, amongst others.

The touring production of Chicago last made a stop in Toronto in 2003, just after the film version of the show won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and so another visit was long overdue.

The story of Chicago follows the exploits of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, both in jail awaiting trial for separate murders. Roxie has dreams of becoming a star, while Velma longs to return to her former glory. They both enlist the help of a smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn, who gets both women a not-guilty verdict, and they are set free to begin a life of fame and fortune together.

Bianca Marroquin and Brenda Braxton are the two murderesses, reprising the roles they have played on Broadway and on tour. They each bring their own distinctive personalities to their respective roles, Marroquin focusing on the innocence and cleverness of Roxie, and Braxton showcasing her sex appeal as Velma Kelly.

Kevin Richardson of Backstreet Boy fame offers a polished performance as Billy Flynn. Vocally, he is strong, which isn't a surprise considering his long career in music, but what is suprising is how he handles the acting side of his performance. He brings the perfect amount of cockiness and slickness to the role, and he is simply a joy to watch.

Ron Orbach is delightful as the down on his luck Amos Hart, and R. Bean does some fine work as Mary Sunshine. Carol Woods is spot on as Matron "Mama" Morton, and she makes you easily forget about Queen Latifah's portrayal in the film version of the show.

The ensemble is strong, handling Ann Reinking's choreography with ease. It's a real treat to see Reinking's Fosse-inspired choreography executed with pin-point precision and what seems to be with such ease.

The production is slick, with the simple costumes by William Ivey Long, scenic design by John Lee Beaty and lighting design by Ken Billington all combining to give us a show filled with lots of spectacle, without ever being over the top.

Chicago is an old-time musical with a new, fresh flavour to it, and from start to finish, it's a show with attitude and smarts. Quoting a lyric from one of the songs from the show, Razzle Dazzle: "Give 'em an act with lots of flash in it, and the reaction will be passionate", which couldn't be truer, and guess what? They did, and it was.

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