Chicago High School Edition

As I left the theatre after this performance of Chicago I only had one word WOW!

I have never seen a production of this show although I knew the story so I was looking forward to this with some anticipation, having seen quite a few plays at The Angles Theatre I was interested to see how a full musical would fit on the stage. I needn’t have worried.

The simple set raised into two tiers by means of a scaffolding ‘balcony’ made full use of the available space with the lower uprights being used to split the floor space into down stage and upstage spaces for different elements of some scenes, with the stairs being used effectively as floor space. This simple scaffold set was complimented by an excellent lighting plot and plain black background, there was no need for any further set detail. So, compliments to the set and lighting designer.

The choregraphy and movement on both levels of the stage and entrances around the set were well thought through, with a clever hint of Bob Fosse in hand and arm movements. In such a small space the movements were clearly designed to give maximum impact to the audience, the jail and courtroom scenes were cleverly executed with the scaffolding clearly indicating a jail and the upper level for the courtroom.

A big bone of contention of mine is make-up on stage and this production had make-up which was very effective and in character for the show and the period. The wigs too were very good, I would never have known that Catherine Missin was blonde and again in period. The all black costumes were very good and effective throughout the cast.

The sound levels were very good and diction throughout was clear and easy to listen to, the singing was to a very high standard. Your Musical Director must be very proud of the cast as this was so well sung. Razzle Dazzle with Billy and the company was a tour de force.

The Dance Team although small was very good, perfectly in time with each other, nothing really to fault and the rest of the company although not dancers moved very well together performing excellent ensemble pieces and I loved the way they lounge around and draped themselves over the bars in the jail scenes. 

The five murderesses played by Emma, Daisy, Megan, Sarah May, and Eleanor acted their roles with enthusiasm and good characterisation, so it is not possible to praise one over the others so well done to the five of you. It is also unfair to pick one out from between Amelia, Bridie or Emma as principals although I particularly liked Rhiannon as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton with a lovely rendition of ‘When you’re good to Mama’

However the tour de force of the show are of course the two leading ladies, Catherine as Velma and Lizzie as Roxie, you were both excellent, you had obviously thought about your characters and gave your all, movement, stage presence and dialogue were excellent and your singing. I loved Velma’s rendition of ‘All that Jazz’ Roxie’s ‘Funny Honey’ and the two of you  with ‘Nowadays’ and ‘Hot Honey Rag’.

Ted, your performance as Amos Hart singing and performing Mister Cellophane was one of my favourite songs in the show, bringing out the pathos of the character wonderfully, well done.

These four principals gave outstanding performances and deserved the applause and plaudits that they as teenage performers received.

Well done to the company for a great and enjoyable production, which I couldn’t fault.

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