Review - Chicago - 6/13/2007

Chicago

Ambassador Theatre

Wednesday June 13, 2007

Chicago is supposed to be one of the greatest and most brilliant stage musicals of all time, or something like that, correct? I think I must have seen the wrong show then. Ok, I’m starting out a bit too harsh. Before seeing shows for a second time, I have been trying to catch up on the various ones I have not seen at all. So when I decided to catch a matinee one day, Chicago was high on my “to see” list after hearing so much about it. I saw the movie when it was released on DVD and rather enjoyed it. I should have just stuck with that vision.

I had an 8^th row left orchestra ticket, which was a great seat, but I think I would have been just as fine in the mezzanine. The stage is bare, that is the best way to describe it I guess. They have the orchestra sitting on stage in a riser like thing, which was kind of cool.

The show in itself has an o.k. but somewhat flaky plot, but that’s not what you care about. I did enjoy seeing the dancing “Fosse” moves, and the ensemble really pulled their weight, so did the leads, but I still was not impressed. Joey Lawrence was in his final days as Billy Flynn. He was adorable and did a decent job in the role, but that was only because he was charming. His voice was just enough to pass, but he had a really good stage presence so it made it bearable. Brenda Braxton and Bianca Marroquin were also good as Velma and Roxie. They had decent chemistry and good dance talents. I really think they need to replace or fix those ladders on the side of the stage. I was so fearful they were going to break and the actress was going to fall off. That is never a good feeling.

During scenes like “Razzle Dazzle” was I wrong to expect some razzle dazzle?? Other than some sparse confetti like substances falling from the ceiling, it was so…blah. Same thing was with Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag at the end. I used to sell those sparkly curtains at Party City. It just left me with a very bad taste.

And I finally had my first problem with audience members. I would hear the horror stories, but had yet to really experience it. Well I had the tourists that spoke loudly, sang, kicked chairs, etc. throughout the whole show. People please learn some manners.

The only way I expect to ever go back again is if they get Jesse L. Martin or Adam Pascal as Billy Flynn. But I don’t see that happening anytime soon.