by Bryon Predika
I dont care what you have to sell, or now many times you have to sell it to get the money to see CHICAGO. I just want you to go. If you care anything about the theatre, and especially about musical theatre, this show will restore your faith in theatricality.
For some years, City Center has been wowing the populace with very limited runs on a very limited budget of classic musical comedy scores from all eras of the genre, with their award winning Encores! series. CHICAGO was such a hit they transferred it to Broadway where it has become the hottest ticket in town. And no wonder. The cynical book originally was set up as a vaudeville show. The story was the telling of the trial of Roxie Hart who shot her lover. This all took place in the Twenties when murderesses and criminals, etc. could go on the vaudeville circuit (if they were acquitted) and reap the benefits of their notoriety. Sort of like Ollie North on a speaking tour. But, making use of all the variety of acts, the book music and lyrics by Kander and Ebb told the story by using female impersonation, the production number, "Last of the Red Hot Mamas", that kind of thing, to advance the story.
Much has been made of the fact that the sets and costumes have been pared down to the bare minimum, and that is true, but the scenic design of John Lee Beatty, the quite wonderful lighting of Ken Billington, and the costumes of William Ivey Long (see, he can do costumes without using every sequin in town!), are true to the original and set a wonderful mood.