Chicago At Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lindsay Burton
Not the first time watching this show, I found myself at Stoke Regent Theatre, excited to see it again. This time would be slightly different as I brought my daughter with and even with the few tongue in cheek moments, she loved the characters, musical numbers and brilliant talent on stage. Based on a 1926 play by Maureen Dallas Watkins about real-life killers and their trials, Chicago is a tale of Roxie Hart, a wannabe star who shoots the man she cheated on her husband with and is arrested, despite her attempts to convince her pushover other half, Amos Hart, to lie for her. In prison, Roxie is introduced her idol, the infamous double-killer and club performer Velma Kelly. When both employ the services of the greedy and lustful solicitor, Billy Flynn, the rivalry for his attention and time – and their potential gateway to fame – starts.
So for those who have been Chicago fans for a long time, and for those who will be experiencing this musical for the first time, will be in for an absolute treat. Coming to a theatre near you, Chicago is a musical you have to at least watch once in your life!
The brilliantly talented ten-piece band forms part of the on stage action at times with Musical Director Neil Macdonald joining in with a line himself. The super talented ensemble of dancers and singers performed Bob Fosse’s iconic, sexy choreography faultlessly. As they perform to the amazing music of Kander and Ebb, they are all arms and legs and leave very little to one’s imagination. The entire production is filled with scintillating, energetic passion. The primary cast has bucket loads of charm and star quality, which is what the principal performers require in front of the audience.
Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn did a fabulous job as the lecherous, manipulative lawyer. Sinitta Malone has the gorgeous role of Mama Morton and really makes the role her own and Joshua Lloyd as Amos Hart is perfect as Roxie’s devoted husband. Faye Brooke’s makes a brilliant Roxie’ – I have seen her before in this role and she’s honestly just gets better in the role each time! But my real fascination and awe was for Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly – this lady was born for this role and she absolutely smashes this part! With superb vocals and heaps of dance skills, she truly makes a phenomenal Velma.
Chicago is definitely one of my most favourite musical of all times – The catchy songs just keep coming – who can resist tapping their toes to “All That Jazz”, “When You’re Good To Mama”, “Mister Cellophane” and of course “Razzle Dazzle”. I wasn’t aware that there was a book but apparently it didn’t have great reviews but I couldn’t imagine that it would matter as for me the show is ALL about the music and fabulous choreography. Even though the show is almost 5 decades old, the common thread running right through the tale is one of the quest for fame at almost any price – which will most definitely resonate with some people still today.
So, if you want a great night out, then Chicago is coming your way. Running from the 25th November at the Stoke Regent Theatre, Chicago will be on stage with tickets starting from £15 and can be purchased from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/chicago/regent-theatre/calendar/2024-11-26
I rate this production as 5 out of 5 and would recommend this as a fantastic trip out and would make a fabulous gift for most theatre lovers. The age recommendations is 13 and older.
Rating: 5/5