“Chicago The Musical” winner of multiple Tony Awards, opened to a full house for a short run at the Hollywood Pantages Theater, Wednesday March 6, 2024. This audience was pumped up in anticipation of the show they all seemed to know well, making for a raucous welcome for the hard-working cast. Originally Directed and Choreographed by Bob Fosse, it debuted in 1975 to less than stellar reviews but now nearly 50 years later it has emerged as a chestnut of the theater canon. With the music of John Kander and Fred Ebb and a book by Ebb and Fosse it is hard to imagine this was ever anything less than a surefire hit.
In 1997 the show was restaged by director Walter Bobbie and rechoreographed by Ann Reinking “in the style of Fosse.” This adaptation is what has been brought to the Pantages stage by current Director David Hyslop and Choreographer Gregory Butler.
Kailin Brown as Velma Kelly and Company in the Touring Production of CHICAGO – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
“Chicago” is set in the 1920’s and based on a play written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a journalist who covered the crime beat in her early career. The set Design by John Lee Beatty, is simple with a tiered bandstand at the back and a blank downstage area which is augmented as needed with props, drops, ladders and chairs. Lighting by Ken Billington is spot on as usual. Costumes by William Ivey Long, though innovative once seem tired now. A refreshment of this element would be welcome.
Katie Frieden, Connor Sullivan and the National Tour of CHICAGO – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
As the story unfolds, ambitious murderesses and wannabe stars, Velma Kelly and Roxy Hart, come to trial for murder. They use their wits, wiles and sexuality to gain the sympathy of the jurors. Found not guilty they make the most of the sensationalized publicity to pursue their dreams of “Superstardom!”
National Tour of CHICAGO – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
Opening with the iconic “All That Jazz” we are immediately swept into the seedy Cook County Jail world of the accused Velma Kelly, a sultry Kailin Brown. Hitting each accent word or gesture, the sharp choreography never misses a beat or a sardonic moment. There is humor and satire in every move and Ms. Brown and her dancers make the most of it. The award-winning work of Ann Reinking is in full force here and this piece sets us up for the signature eclectic jazz dancing seen throughout the show.
When Roxie Hart a naive yet conniving killer, ruefully played by Katie Frieden, enters the picture a rivalry of sorts is set up between Roxie and Velma. Both are counting on the flamboyant and unscrupulous lawyer Billy Flynn to get them a not guilty verdict. Flynn, well played by Connor Sullivan tells us just who he is by his cynical take on “All I Care About Is Love.”
The National Touring Production of CHICAGO – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
The brilliant Kander and Ebb score leads us through the saga of these two women and brings insight to the inner workings of their corrupt minds. The lyrics are shrewd and clever and the arrangements by Ralph Burns never miss. “Cell Block Tango,” “Razzle Dazzle,” and “We Both Reached for the Gun” with its innovative puppet routine, shine in particular. Every tune is supported perfectly by the nuanced work of the sexy “Greek Chorus” of the singer/dancers.
Robert Quiles as Amos Hart in the National Tour of CHICAGO – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
In a smaller but no less important role Robert Quiles as Amos Hart, the hapless husband of Roxie, disappoints in his version of the quintessential sad sack and his song “Mr. Cellophane.” Diminutive Illeana ‘illy’Kirven as Matron “Mama” Morton can sing but seems rooted to one spot on the stage and is not dominating enough to have us believe that she is indeed a force to be reckoned with. J. Terrell as Mary Sunshine the nosey reporter, is fine but the surprise this character hides would have been a true surprise in 1975, today it seems outdated.
Kailin Brown and Katie Frieden in the National Tour of CHICAGO – Photo by Jeremy Daniels.
There is a twist to this tale of ambition and greed when Velma and Roxie, now free and in partnership, perform a sad “sister” act that ends with a cartwheel. I cannot help but imagine that this was a Fosse move, the master of irony.
“Chicago” runs through March 24th, and is worth seeing for the performances of Kailin Brown, Katie Frieden and Connor Sullivan. A major plus is the live music played by the terrific Los Angeles Union musicians and conducted by Cameron Blake Kinnear.
Connor Sullivan in The Touring Production of CHICAGO – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
The Dancers are: Paul Amrani, Olivia Lacie Andrews, Bentlei Benak, Faith Jordan Candino, Jason Carroll, Austin Taylor Dunn, Ed Gotthelf, Olivia Greco, Chelsea James, Liz Lester, Joe Meldrum, Adolfo Ortiz-Feder, Lauren Teyke, Kodiak Thompson, Francisco Thurston, and Cait Zuckerman.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Hollywood Pantages Theatre website.
Written by Tam Warner for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: The National Tour Company of CHICAGO – Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
