Some twenty-five years since this production débuted on Broadway, Chicago The Musical is still as relevant today as it was then. This latest incarnation of the musical, puts the Chic back into Chicago.
Everything about this production is slick, clean and polished. From the lighting, orchestra, set, costuming and cast. And the choreography is transcendent. Every finger, arm, leg and head movement are in unison as the chorus of dancers perform as one. It’s Fosse performed at its best.
This production has managed to assemble some of Australia’s finest musical theatre talent and last night they proved they more than deserve this title.
Performing the roles of the leading ladies, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart are Zoë Ventoura and Lucy Maunder. From the moment these two ladies enter the stage they command attention. Ventoura’s voice is strong and her dancing ability leaves you in awe. She proved last night she is defiantly a new leading lady in Australian Theatre.
Maunder’s Roxie Hart has cemented her as an amazing Australian talent. The cheeky banter and onstage chemistry between the two leading ladies is electric and brings a smile to your face. Their individual solos are amazing and when they perform their duets together you are witnessing something special.
Musical Theatre legend Anthony Warlow plays lawyer Billy Flynn and possesses all the charm and charisma that he never fails to deliver when he is on stage. He steals some of the best dance sequences as he is surrounded by dancers with giant feather fans and falling confetti.
Asabi Goodman as Matron Mama Morton and S Valeri as Mary Sunshine’s performances are powerful and their voices reach the audience with resounding power.
The lovable role of Amos Hart is delivered by Peter Rowsthorn with clownish and brilliant comedic timing. His rendition of Mr Cellophane had the audience sighing in empathy as he walked around the stage being ignored.
Don’t miss your chance to catch some of Australia’s finest musical theatre talent perform one of the most decorated Broadway musicals of all time. Chicago is the show of the year!
Chicago The Musical
Crown Theatre, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood (Perth)
Performance: Thursday 23 November 2023
Season continues to 17 December 2023
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Following the Perth season, Chicago will play the Lyric Theatre – QPAC, Brisbane from 2 January 2024, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne from 23 March, and the Capitol Theatre, Sydney from 9 June 2024. For more information, visit: www.chicagomusical.com.au for details.
Images: Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly and the Australian Cast of Chicago – photo Jeff Busby | Lucy Maunder as Roxie hart and the Australian Cast of Chicago – photo by Jeff Busby | Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn and the Australian Cast of Chicago – photo Jeff Busby
Review: Craig Dalglish