Chicago

The international award winning musical, Chicago, starring Ali Bastian
as Roxie Hart, Stefan Booth as Billy Flynn, Tupele Dorgu as Velma
Kelly, and Bernie Nolan as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, has arrived at the
Manchester Palace Theatre.

Based on real life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer
Roxie Hart shoots her lover and along with Cell Block rival,
double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with
the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.  Created by the musical
theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer
Bob Fosse, Chicago’s sexy, sassy score includes All That Jazz and
Razzle Dazzle. With 6 Tony, 2 Olivier, 1 Grammy, 2 Bafta and 6 Academy
Awards.

I had seen Chicago previously at the West End and was thrilled to see
it again.  The touring company was as brilliant to see as the West End
cast.  My partner had not seen this before, so it was a real treat for
his first time.  He found it funny, the music much better than the film
version.  The actors and actresses truly capture the feeling on stage
with great emotion.  The singing as always was first class and blows
you away at their sheer talent.

Ali Bastian as Roxie really made you sit up and pay attention to this
characters story, with an excellent performance from Tupele Dorgu who
shows there is more to her than a Soap Star.  Bernie Nolan as Mama
Morton shows she is truly the mistress of the keep.  As for Stefan
Booth as Billy Flynn, you'll be amazed at how long he can hold a note
for.

Chicago is a deserved winner of so many awards, as it truly is a gem of
theatre, with great drama, music and comedy.  It should be at the top
of the list for all theatre go-ers and if you have not seen this
before, it is a definite must and completely worth going to see.

Chicago is on at the Manchester Palace Theatre until Saturday 24thMarch.  For details.

Reviewed by Jamie Masterman for canal-st.co.uk

Published: 22-Mar-2012: (1213)