MUSICAL
THEATRE
Lyrics by Fred Ebb, music
by John Kander, book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse
Based on the play by Maurine
Dallas Watkins
At State Theatre, Arts
Centre Melbourne, until Feb 23, 2020
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars:****
This is a short review and it is NOT published in Herald Sun. KH
 |
| Alinta Chidzey, Jason Donovan, Natalie Bassingthwaighte |
This Australian production of Kander and Ebb’s musical, is based on the
New York production and the choreography captures the essence of Bob Fosse’s
unforgettable, pulsating, almost indecently sensual choreography.
Alinta Chidzey is a stand-out as the spicy, feisty murdering Velma Kelly.
Chidzey is a genuine triple threat – singer, dancer, actor – and her rendition
of All That Jazz with the ensemble was almost a show-stopper – at the start of
the show.
Natalie Bassingthwaighte is pert and impish as Roxy Hart, the newest
murdering bimbo in gaol and Velma’s rival for public sympathy generated by
outrageous lies from their publicity machine. As well as being a television
celebrity, she can dance and sing!
Leading their ‘fake news’ campaigns is Billy Flynn sheister and
merchandiser, played by Jason Donovan (Yes, that Jason Donovan!) who
depicts Flynn as less the grubby, grasping, grinning and villainous game show
host and more as the smarmy, smiling and acquisitive, corporate CEO.
Casey Donovan, with her great stage presence, a bold and versatile voice,
wows the audience as Matron Momma Morton, singing When You’re Good To Momma. Momma will do anything for her inmates/girls – for a price.
Cell Block Tango is always a highlight in Chicago and the six women, led
by the inimitable Chidzey, make their six chairs blush with their suggestive
choreography and the audience cheer at their versions of the various murders
they have committed.
Chicago is a hoot, and this is a fun and mischievous version.
by Kate
Herbert
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