CHICAGO !!!!

StyleStation | Jul 16, 2009 | 0

All That Jazz

Chicago, Australia is my featured show review this week.
Wrapping up a hot season at Sydney's Lyric Theatre and on to Her Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne, the sass, sizzle and shock of Chicago plays on 'down under'.  For those who have not yet seen Chicago, the story is that of a nightclub dancer, a smooth talking lawyer and a cell block of sin and merry murderesses. Chicago is the winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and is Broadway's longest-running Musical Revival and the longest running American Musical ever to play the West End ! What a show !!!

Sharon Millerchip and Craig McLachlan as Roxie Hart and Billy Flynn with Ensemble

Gina Riley and Caroline O'Connor as Matron Mama Morton and Velma Kelly

Featuring a star studded cast, the production delivers from the moment the curtain goes up. Caroline O'Connor brings Velma Kelly to life as only she can. I believe she was born for this role. I saw Caroline perform Velma in Australia about 10 years ago and ...she's still got it ! The demands of the role have Ms O'Connor high kicking and cart wheeling across the stage like nobody's business ! You may have seen Caroline play Velma in Chicago on Broadway a few years ago or as Nini Legs In The Air in the film, Moulin Rouge!.

Gina Riley, known best for her infamous television role as Kim in the original Kath and Kim, is Mama Morton. Wow ! What an unexpected surprise. Gina takes the role by the balls and ...well quite frankly, she gives it some ! Her powerful voice commands the attention of her audience and she brings just the right character and comedic timing to the role.
Another television star doesn't quite come up trumps I'm afraid. Craig McLachlan does a barely pass able job of playing Billy Flynn. His delivery is rather stiff and the triple threat aspect really isn't his bag. Whilst acting is, movement and vocals are not. I really was rooting for him to loosen up and have a bit more fun with the role. Still, he is a household name and this role is renowned for throwing in a big name to carry it, ie Richard Gere, Usher.

The STAR though, hands down is Sharon Millerchip who plays Roxie Hart. This pocket rocket, with pizzazz galore steals the show ! Sharon undoubtedly LIVES her time on stage and presents a world class rendition of Roxie, performing her insides out !!!! "Roxie" with her 'boys' was my favourite number and I have never seen such a humorous version of the ventriloquist number, "We Both Reached For The Gun".
I also wanted to give a shout out to Mary Sunshine who certainly hits a hot note !!!
Be quick and book now for the remainder of the Sydney season at www.ticketmaster.com.au The Melbourne season begins August 15th. Purchase your tickets at www.ticketek.com.au
For Broadway bookings and more information, www.chicagothemusical.com
I am hitting the road again this week - off to Europe. I'll hit you up from Spain with more from the world of entertainment !

Martine
You can blog me here, email me at danceruniverse@mystylestation.com, follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/stylestation or join my Facebook group, STYLE STATION. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=83493543989&ref=ts

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Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Studio, Performance (all tags)