Reviewed by Marie J. Kilker
With a reprise of Chicago, Golden Apple's big 2004 hit, we are twice
blessed! Charlene Clark as Velma Kelly and Jillian Godfrey as Roxie Hart come back more
seasoned in evil ambiguity as 1920s murderers seeking acquittal by becoming
sensational media favorites. Guest star Bill Hayes, a media star himself, charms as
the slippery lawyer Billy Flynn who equally loves money and a "Razzle
Dazzle" opportunity, whether it be conning press and juries or doing a
soft shoe or tap routine. Smooth Roberta MacDonald repeats her Matron Mama Morton's
covetous "care" of her prisoners, assuring them good things follow
"When You're Good to Mama." Rotund, gravelly soprano C. Thomas, as sob sister Mary Sunshine, is
always ready to do "A Little Bit of Good" for the pitiable gals.
Fooling the public is easier when, like Roxie, one has a "Cellophane
Man" as dumb as her husband Amos. (Michael Bajjaly performs like a whiteface, when
actually white-gloved, minstrel and is constantly called Andy by Flynn.)
No matter how good
the principals, a musical co-originated by Bob Fosse needs a smashing group of
dancers with lithe torsos and able to create stunning geometry with arms and
legs. They fit the bill, choreographed by Dewayne Barrett. He dances smartly
and sexily right along with them, keyed by the opening "All That
Jazz." Of the many good special numbers the one with Godfrey's Roxie
popping up and down on the lap of Hayes' ventriloquist-like Billy makes a
special impression. With Clark's sophisticated bearing and Godfrey's all-out
energy, their duets "Nowadays" and "Hot Honey Rag" make
them a perfect pair to team up as a final vaudeville act.
Material and
performers are so colorful that Dee Richards was wise to make almost every
costume black. Michael Newton-Brown's set, in which musical director John
Visser and his
four fine musicians sit on stage against a colorful cyclorama, also uses side
ladders and a central doorway to keep the emphasis on show-biz. Director Kyle
Ennis Turoff
makes performances and all the technical aspects of the productions fit the
vaudeville conception to perfection. We couldn't ask for better, especially in
a reprise.
Stage Manager
is Alyssa Goudy. Time: 2 hours, plus a 15 minute break.