Chicago - Teen Edition

Only one word can describe what I saw on Friday evening. Phenomenal. RTSA returned to the Rotherham Civic Theatre with Chicago Teen Edition. The magic started as you entered the auditorium with a great preset, infact, the lights throughout the entire production were fist class. Director and Choroegrapher, Dee Bennie - Marshall, and Musical Director, Matthew Symonds, have once again provided audiences with a first class show, firmly cementing their crowns as the best in the business. Bennie- Marshall’s creativity is off the scale and Symonds’s control over the fabulous band as well as  getting stunning vocals out the cast is first rate.

The show was double cast, so can only report on Team Gatsby, but I’ve heard wonderful things from colleagues who saw Team Flappers earlier in the week. As Amos Heart, Billy Newhouse delivered a character that made the audience fall in love and empathise with in equal measure. His physicality during his number ‘Mr Cellophane’ was delightful. After seeing Will Openshaw in a number of roles over the years, it was so nice to see him playing a character that allowed him to let his hair down and have fun. Openshaw’s vocals, as one has come to expect, were faultless. I particularly loved his rendition of ‘All I Care About Is Love’. William Pawson provided many of the nights laugh out loud moments as news reporter Mary Sunshine, and managed to keep his falsetto voice up throughout the entire production. A great part for Pawson.

As keeper of the keys, Mama Morton, Brooke ‘the voice’ Green was superb. Her powerful, blusey voice was just what was needed for this role. Green is the complete package when it comes to musical theatre and I would happily pay to see her do a one woman show.  From Fantine, to Carlotta to Paulette to Mama Morton, is there nothing Green can’t do?
Belle Pickering as murderess Velma Kelly was everything. From the moment she entered to sing the iconic ‘All That Jazz’, Pickering embodied the character. She had just the right amount of sass, desperation and scheming that made Velma a totally believable character. However, the night belonged to Amber Oldham. Oldham was exceptional, and had the audience in the palm of her hand, as the headline grabbing Roxy Hart. With great energy, facial expressions, movement and wonderful vocals, Oldham is the true meaning of triple threat. A great individual performance.

The ensemble are an integral part of this show as they play numerous roles in those show and each member of the ensemble gave 100%. When a show is choreographed by Bennie- Marshall, you know the choreography is going to be brilliant, but this Fosse inspired movement was the best I’ve seen at the Civic for some time. It would be amiss of me not to mention the skill of dancer, George Smith. Smith never missed a beat and danced not only with his feet but his entire body.

This was a truly a 10 out of 10 production and my only regrets is that I don’t have a ticket to see Team Flappers, so I can watch this wonderful production before it closes. Bravo RTSA.

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