If I gave out gold medals for excellence in music theatre, the ensemble of Chicago would be a shoe-in.
This small black-clad ensemble doubles in small roles as well as commenting on the action in the style of a Greek chorus. This is a tight ensemble of incredibly talented people, who really make the show zing.
Which is not to take anything away from the principals, who generally fit their roles like a glove. For me there were two standout cast members: Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart and Anthony Warlow as lawyer Billy Flynn. Maunder proves again that she is a triple threat, and effortlessly sings, dances and pouts her way as Roxie in a superb performance. Warlow is an older Billy Flynn than usually portrayed, which works a treat as he brings a smooth oily charm and gravitas, as well as great comic timing. He absolutely commands the stage.
Chicago is the story of two alleged murderesses, Roxie Hart (Maunder) and Velma Kelly (Zoe Ventura), who meet while awaiting trial in a jail run by the charmingly corrupt Mama Morton (Asabi Goodman). In this jail, with Mama’s help – which comes at an openly declared price – press coverage is the goal, and Kelly is the current press queen, soon to be challenged by Hart. And so the story wends its merry way through song and dance, with lawyer Flynn playing his two clients, the press and the jury through to a successful outcome, in which the prize for him is always the money, as evidenced in his satirical song “All I Care About Is Love”.
Entering into this frothy mix is society reporter Mary Sunshine, always played by a bloke with a fabulous counter tenor voice, and S.Valeri delivers the perfect characterisation and great vocal quality.
Zoë Ventoura as Velma Kelly starts shakily with some insecure vocals in the first half, but she settles in the second half, and the final duet between Kelly and Hart is a knockout.
Comic actor Peter Rowsthorn (Brett from Kath and Kim for fans of that show, of whom there were many in the audience) gives a touching and beautiful performance as Roxie’s wronged, dim but sweet husband Amos. Rowsthorn knows how to command a live audience and his vocal lament “Mr. Cellophane” was one of the hits of the night.
Having seen countless productions of Chicago, I think this is definitely one of the best, because it is well directed with an excellent band, who are on stage, and a fine conductor in James Simpson, who doubles as a voiceover man to great effect.
Go and see it – you won’t be disappointed and will walk out humming the memorable Kander and Ebb music.
Photo credit: Jeff Busby
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Julie Houghton reviewed “Chicago”, presented at Her Majesty’s Theatre on March 26, 2024.
