Start the week on a high (kick).
The musical Chicago dates back to the 70s but was based on the 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, who was inspired by the real-life crimes and criminals she reported on as a journalist based in the city. It was subsequently turned into a musical by John Kander, Fred Ebb and the incomparable Bob Fosse and eventually – in the early 2000s – a film with a star-studded cast including Renee Zellwegger, Catherine Zeta Jones and Richard Gere.
If, like me, you are only familiar with the film version, this national tour, which is in Oxford until Saturday 1 March, is a revelation. Using Fosse's original choreography it stars the award-winning stage and soap star Faye Brookes as Roxie Hart,supported by West End and Loose Women regular, Brenda Edwards as Mama Morton, Djalenga Scott shines as Velma Kelly and Strictly’s Kevin Clifton takes on the dastardly Billy Flynn.
Fosse's strange and brilliant trademark motifs are apparent throughout: the tilted bowler hats, finger snaps, shoulder rolls and jazz hands are there in abundance. So, too, is his infamous precision, syncopated modern styling and relentlessly controlled sensuality. Fosse musicals aren't about the big moves, instead your attention is utterly gripped by the slightest tap of a toe or thrust of a hip.
The orchestra joins the cast on stage, and the huge musical numbers just keep on coming. Whilst there is some dialogue, the story is mainly told through the medium of music, from the scene-setting All That Jazz, the murderous medley of Cell Block Tango and the glitz and sham of Razzle Dazzle through to the pathos of Amos Hart’s lament, Mr Cellophane.
So, get your razzle-dazzle on and allow yourself to be transported to the decadence of the 1920s where you’ll find yourself rooting for murder, media and malice in this sophisticated and highly recommended production.
Chicago, New Theatre Oxford 24 February - 1 March
Tickets and further information at atgtickets.com
