The longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history is now playing in Melbourne. Feel razzle dazzled as Chicago paints the town with murder, greed, corruption and all that jazz. Journey back to the opulence of the 1920s and follow the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer, who murders her lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid a hanging, she hires criminal lawyer Billy Flynn to transform her crime into a media sensation. You’ll find this slick show at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Chicago the musical
Based on a play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, Chicago was created by John Kander, Lifetime Achievement Award-winner at the Tony Awards, Fred Ebb, and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. This musical has won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. It was also adapted into a film in 2002, featuring stars like Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere.
“Chicago has everything that people love about a Broadway musical – a story of fame, fortune and all that jazz, one show-stopping number after another and the most amazing dancing you’ve ever seen,” said producers John Frost and Suzanne Jones.
The production features plenty of unforgettable songs that will have you gasping and cheering, including Cell Block Tango, All That Jazz and We Both Reached For The Gun.
It stars Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart and Zoë Ventoura as glamourous cellmate Velma Kelly. Together, they make a sensational duo. Anthony Warlow as lawyer Billy Flynn is a riot, and Peter Rowsthorn as gullible husband Amos is totally endearing, drawing plenty of “Awws” from the crowd with his performance of Mister Cellophane. Asabi Goodman gives a powerful performance as corrupt prison warden Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, and S. Valeri as crime reporter Mary Sunshine is a sheer delight.
The choreography is incredible, and the musicians have plenty of time to shine.
In the show, Roxie rocks Chicago. And it’s safe to say that Chicago rocks Melbourne. This is a show you don’t want to miss.