A review by Suzanne Birrell.
Terra C. MacLeod as Velma Kelly and cast. Photo by Paul Kolnik
Chicago opened in Los Angeles last night for the beginning of a 6 day run. Buy your tickets now: you absolutely don't want to miss this star studded performance. Grammy Award-Winner Brandy Norwoodis a "Roxie Hart" as no other. Playing opposite is Terra C. MacLeod who plays cell mate "Velma Kelly with the moves and the grooves. Both ladies play off each other with impeccable comic timing that will simply plant a smile on your face and keep it there.
NFL Legend & Heisman Trophy Winner Eddie George is smooth as silk as slick lawyer "Billy Flynn." Roz Ryan holds the audience in the palm of her hand as "Matron 'Mama' Morton." D. Ratell was over the top thru the highs and lows as reporter "Mary Sunshine.Enthusiastic Band Director Rob Bowman was a comic character in his own right. Tug Watson as "The jury" was hysterically funny without any lines or song. The entire cast was spot on.
The choreography was Bob Fosse brilliant by Ann Reinking ( who has an long and impressive list of credits and awards.) The costumes by William Ivey Long wonderfully reflect the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s. Even the newspaper props were terrific. I smiled start to finish. The only drawback for me were the number of audience members who had to be reprimanded by ushers for taking photos with their cell phones. (Please don't - just enjoy.)
Eddie George; Photo by Jeremy Daniel (Left)
I am a musician myself (Bassplayer-AFM47). Since I was very young, when the music is just right, I get goose bumps. Last night, I got goose bumps.Chicago is hot, it sizzles, it scintillates. Don't miss it
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Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler and the Nederlander Organization. Thru Sunday, May 1.
Tickets for CHICAGO
www.HollywoodPantages.com by phone at 800-982-2787.
Groups of 10 or more are now available by visiting www.PantagesGroups.com or by calling 866-755-3075. Tickets start at $29.