Review: Chicago, the Musical

CHICAGO

Once again, I had the pleasure of being a part of Blogger Night at the Ordway Theater in St.Paul. What this means is that, along with a guest, I was able to see the musical Chicago on opening night. Write a review? No prob! My pleasure. Are you kidding?
 I am a huge theater fan! 

This opportunity began in June when I saw the musical, Fela. I was ecstatic to learn that it would be a continued opportunity.

I have never seen Chicago live. The many times I've been to New York this is one show my friends didn't really want to see. Chalk it up to seeing the movie already...yada yada...I don't know why but it never happened. I, on the other hand, HAVE been interested in it.

Yes, I loved the movie version with Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones. You bet I have sung All that Jazz and Roxie Hart with fierce gusto in my car on the way to work. And, yep, I have slumped around in my slippers to Mr. Cellophane. Please, google these songs for the awesome music and begin your own dance party. 

This performance, though different from the movie, was electric and right on. John O' Hurley (from Seinfeld, Family Feud and Dancing with the Stars) was indeed the big star and got a round of applause when arriving on stage for the first time. He was certainly charming and wonderful as Billy. For me, however, it was the actress who played Roxie and the actor who played Amos that I liked the most.

Here's my quick recap of the story:

Setting: 1920s, Chicago. Roxie kills her lover Fred. Her husband Amos takes the fall until he  finds out she was fooling around. Roxie goes to jail, where women are stars for killing their men. She takes the spotlight away from Velma, another inmate, after hooking up with razzle dazzle lawyer, Billy.

Here's the blurb from the Ordway website:

The funniest songs, the hottest dancing, the sexiest cast and the greatest story on Broadway—no wonder Chicagohas been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations.

Starring John O’Hurley, Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. Come on, babe! Don’t you deserve a sure thing?

All in the all, the music was amazing, and the performers, most straight from the Broadway production, were beyond talented. I enjoyed every moment of it. 

The only bad thing? The next day I woke up with tonsilitis. Boo.

Thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child