REVIEW: Chicago the musical

photo courtesy of The Ordway

If there was ever a musical for those who love jazz hands and looooong legs, Chicago is it!

Last night I was invited to see Chicago at The Ordway.  I had not seen this musical before so I do not have anything to compare it to other than the movie.  Chicago surprised me because it is more like a concert than a musical or play.  The set is very minimal, the actors interact with the Orchestra and audience, the dancers are sometimes literally “on the bench” on the side of the stage when not performing, and the costumes are nonsensical (e.g. prisioners wearing sequined lingerie, a lawyer who wears a tuxedo, a doctor who wears a black v-neck and pants).  If the story wasn’t as straightforward as it is, I’d have trouble following what was going on.

Seinfeld’s John O’Hurly is the advertised headliner for Chicago due to his recognizable name and although he did a great job, I do not think he was the star of the show.  My personal favorites were Big Mama (Roz Ryan) and Amos (Ron Orchach).  Their solo performances “When You’re Good to Mama” and “Mister Cellophane,” respectively, were outstanding.  The rest of the musical was generally entertaining but nothing terribly special.  There was good singing and dancing but it was not an exceptional production.  I found that the second to last song and the finale to be a bit of a snore.  I guess I’m just used to finales that really knock your socks off.

The production quality was also a little lackluster.  In one scene, a girl is hanged.  To illustrate this to the audience, she climbs a ladder and then disappears; an empty noose is then tossed on the stage.  Whaaaaat?  If artists can come up with a way to make a human appear like a girafe in Lion King, I’m sure they can come up with a better way of depicting a death.  Moreover, the costumes were all black, set against a black stage.  The lighting was also often low and this made very little “pop.”  One exception was the trial scene.  I really wish there was more of that.

Chicago plays at The Ordway through August 12, 2012.  Some discount ticket opportunities are available.  Student rush tickets are also offered based on availability. To guarantee your seat, purchase your tickets at The Ordway.com.