Chicago swings into town
When you go to see a show like Chicago you expect it to be slick, you expect it to be lively and you expect to be tapping your feet for the entire performance, but does the tour, currently at Milton Keynes Theatre, deliver?
The answer, in a word, is yes. The set is simple, essentially an on-stage bandstand and a couple of ladders. The costumes are minimalist, all small and black. In fact there are very little costume changes, most of the cast, bar Roxie, don't change at all. But none of this hinders the show, numerous costume changes and a high-tech set are not what Chicago is about, Chicago is about the music.
Set in the roaring twenties Chicago follows the story of fame-hungry Roxie Hart who murders her lover, and asks her husband, Amos, to take the blame. When he figures out the murdered man is not a burgler, as he had been led to believe, Roxie takes the fall for her crime and ends up in jail. Here she meets double murderess and vaudeville star Velma Kelly. Velma isn't please when Roxie starts stealing the headlines, her lawyer, Billy Flynn, and even her trial date, but is there enough room for two criminal starlets?
Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, this award winning musical was revived in 1996, and has since become the longest running musical revival on Broadway (not counting the nude revue, Oh! Calcutta!). The current UK tour is lead by two stars, Wet Wet Wet front-man Marti Pellow, plays the smooth talking Billy Flynn and Eastender's Emma Barton plays the infamous Roxie Hart. Pellow made to move from pop star to stage star in the same role in 2002, and reprising the role this year he certainly seems at home on the stage. Although the role of Billy Flynn is relatively small, Pellow oozes charm and his musical numbers, particularly We Both Reached For The Gun are highly entertaining. Barton proves that she is more than just a great actress and pretty face, as her singing and dancing meets the standard of the fantastic ensemble. A mention must, too, go to the amazing band, who are superb and really keep whole audience revved-up throughout the show.
Playing the other lead part, that of Velma Kelly, is Twinnie-Lee Moore, who is simply outstanding. Totally believable and with scene stealing performances in many instances, her fantastic voice and killer moves make her a real stand-out star.
Chicago is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday, January 25 – to Saturday, January 30. Call the box office on 08448717652.
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Weather for Milton Keynes
Saturday 04 February 2012
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