The Alexandra, Birmingham – until 29th January 2022
Reviewed by Joanne Hodge
5* * * * *
“Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery … all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.” And so begins Chicago, a tale of life in 1920’s USA where prohibition had been introduced, and as a result, a criminal underworld had developed in the Illinois city, with mobsters having the public’s guardians in their pockets. I guess you can see why audiences in 2022 can relate!
Considering this is one of the longest running musicals in history, it is timeless. John Lee Beatty’s simplistic set is dramatically changed by just the repositioning of a chair, with the mood heightened by Ken Billington’s use of lighting. Alongside the almost uniformly classically black costumes, we find a story woven with scandal, sensuality and a sequin or two.
Our protagonist, the fame-hungry femme-fatale Roxie Hart [Faye Brooks] shoots her lover, Fred Caseley [Joel Benjamin] and as result of a failed attempt at getting her affable husband Amos [played with perfect humility and hilarity by Joel Montague] to take the blame, she ends up in the Cook County Jail under the watchful eye of Matron ‘Mama’ Morton [Sinitta Malone].
Roxie immediately jars with another of her murderess cellmates, Velma Kelly [Djalenga Scott], whose thunder she has stolen both with the attention of the Chicago press, and the charming, yet ruthless lawyer, Billy Flynn [Darren Day].
Those unfamiliar with Chicago may at first be confused with what is reality, and what is fantasy, but it really doesn’t matter. Every lyric and line carries the story to its conclusion, with the added bonus of the orchestra being part of the set throughout. Even interacting with the cast to make a formidable ensemble.
Ann Reinking’s adaptation of Bob Fosse’s original choreography is outstanding. If only people appreciated how hard a cast have to work in order to move seamlessly together with such small, iconic motions! It really is astounding.
I have to say for me, despite some of the more well-known names on stage, the outstanding contributor was without a doubt Djalenga Scott’s Velma. She’s got it all, the voice, the body, the face … and all that jazz!