ARTICLE
Review: Let All That Jazz Dazzle You In 'Chicago'
By Freddy / 11 Feb 2017 (Saturday)
"Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery ... all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts” is the line uttered at the beginning of ‘Chicago’. Those are no hyperboles. Every single one of those themes are explored in this sassy, sexy musical.
Chicago
Date: 8 - 26 February 2017
Time:
Tue - Fri: 8pm
Sat: 2pm & 8pm
Sun: 1pm & 6pm
Venue: Grand Theatre MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
Ticket Price: $65 - $175 (excluding booking fee)
Purchase your tickets here!
Synopsis:
Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart (Lindsey Tierney) shoots her lover and along with cell block rival, double-murderess Velma Kelly (Genevieve Nicole), they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn (Matthew Goodman).
‘Chicago’ is anything but ordinary. It immediately looks different once you see that the band is on the stage rather than the orchestra pit. They also put on the show and interact with the cast several times throughout the show. This musical also has a vaudeville theme. We frequently hear the performer and the song being announced by another cast member.
It also has a dynamic, intriguing story which never becomes predictable. The dark humour of these fame-thirsty murderesses is not for everyone, but it fits nicely with its satirical and cynical tone, if you can learn to embrace it. Despite being based on true stories from the 1920s and being adapted into a musical in the 1970s, its portrayal of people who became celebrities due to scandals (instead of having any talent or class) is relevant to today’s showbiz industry.
Image credit: BASE Entertainment Asia
The cast of ‘Chicago’ is amazing. Its success hinges on the two leading ladies, Lindsey Tierney and Genevieve Nicole, who are both wonderful in playing Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. Matthew Goodman is a scene-stealer in playing the boastful silver-tongued lawyer, Billy Flynn. All three leads are triple threats. Singing and acting are obviously expected, but this musical demands more dancing from its leads than many other musicals.
Other roles including Amos Hart, Mama Morton, and Mary Sunshine are impeccably played as well. The ensemble is great as well, as showcased in the famous number “Cell Block Tango” and different parts of the show. The acting, singing, and dancing are truly top-notch all around. It also helps that everyone on stage, even the band, looks like they are having tonnes of fun doing the show.
Image credit: BASE Entertainment Asia
‘Chicago’ has a rather simple look. Indeed, this is not a musical with any chandelier, barricade, helicopter, or dragon. Costume changes and set pieces are minimal and mostly black, keeping with its vaudeville theme. It does not look like it would cost as much as other shows despite charging the similar prices. However, the excellent performances of the cast and ensemble more than makes up for it.
There is a reason why Chicago is the second longest-running musical on Broadway. This performance in Singapore lives up to the show’s reputation and is sure to give the audience a good time. There are a lot of excellent songs in this musical, but the stand-out numbers are “We Both Reached For The Gun”, “Cell Block Tango”, “I Can’t Do It Alone”, and “Mr. Cellophane”. Be sure to catch the show while it’s in town.