Chicago

Not since I went to see Blood Brothers at Leicester's De Montfort Hall several years ago have I witnessed an almost perfect piece of theatre. All that changed last night when I fulfilled a long-held aspiration to see Chicago, at the same aforesaid venue. Once more Leicester has attracted a show that is worth braving the winter weather to see.
In the mid 70's the popular theatrical writers Kander & Ebb (creators of such classics as Cabaret and Kiss of the Spiderwoman) spawned a risqué tale of 'murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and greed, all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts' set in the 1920's. At the time, and despite the god-like Bob Fosse's choreography, it didn't go down that well.
Fast-forward to 1995 and the current revival suddenly caught up with the times and the public's imagination. All of a sudden Mr Fosse's style, in the capable caretaking hands of his protégé Ann Reinking, has all the modern hallmarks of the classic that it is.
The current touring cast deliver a production that is every bit as vital, authentic and classy as anything you would see on Broadway or the West End. With a beautifully sparse stage their talent and expertise are all that carries the show, and carry it they do. With aplomb.
Lisa Donmall as Velma Kelly easily invokes the style of Ute Lemper who stormed the London stage with her interpretation of the role. While Emma Clifford is compelling as the sugar sweet Roxie Hart who is manipulative to the core. It is unfair to single out the two leading ladies when the entire cast merits honorable mentions, but space, as ever, doesn't permit.
Suffice to say that the journey to the Windy City is well worth the trip.

© Paul Towers 18/12/2003