'Chicago' On Tour (with Paige Davis) - A Review

[ckeaton]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:26pm

I am freshly home from seeing Chicago: The Musical live in sunny Rochester, NY. What follows is my review:

All that Jazz, and Then Some

As I weaved through the lobby of Rochester's Auditorium Theatre this Wednesday night, I listened to the buzz of my fellow patrons.

"Yah, like, you know... the perky one from TLC?"
"Really? You mean Carter Oosterhouse?"
"No! Paige Davis"
(with awe) "Wow..."

At that evening's performance of Chicago Perky Paige wasn't the only attraction, however. The audience was about to be treated to a finely tuned performance by a terrific ensemble.

There were several standout principal performances in this production.

Terra C. MacLeod (Velma Kelly) seemed at times to be the love child of Bernadette Peters and Bebe Neuwirth. She has the vocal talent of the former, and the sass of the latter. Her performance was everything that Velma should be.

A fabulous Amos Hart, brought to life by Kevin Carolan, brought down the house with "Mr. Cellophane". Perhaps due to his roots in standup comedy, his timing and delivery was impeccable.

Terrific performances were also delivered by R. Bean (Mary Sunshine), and Carol Woods ("Mama" Morton).

The only performance that cast a reasonable doubt in this jury room was that of Kevin Neil McCready (Billy Flynn). There was nothing technically wrong with his performance, though it seemed that his characterization was more transparent than our very own Mr. Cellophane. Picture Hairspray's Corny Collins on valium, singing "All I Care About..." and you have a pretty good idea of this take on Counselor Flynn.

Before the case is closed, let me talk for a moment about the delightful Paige Davis. You can't help but feel good with Paige in the room. She injected so much energy into Roxie, that you couldn't help but root her on. Her voice suprised me, because it was quite good. She doesn't have the power behind it of some of her peers, but all told it is not at all bad. Her acting is what won me over. I'd let her Roxie shoot at me, any day.

If you have a chance to catch the merry murderesses in your hometown, I suggest that you grab your hat and prepare for some time off... for good behavior.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:30pm

Great review! How long is Paige Davis in the tour?

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:32pm

Too bad you missed Bianca. She was wonderful.

Kevin was just understudying the role, right? He was in the ensemble for a long time. Tom Wopat played the role in Akron (March 2005). It was just for Akron and some other cities.

"Terra C. MacLeod (Velma Kelly) seemed at times to be the love child of Bernadette Peters and Bebe Neuwirth. She has the vocal talent of the former, and the sass of the latter. Her performance was everything that Velma should be."

I COMPLETELY agree. She got me so pumped right at the start of the show with "All That Jazz." Below is a Broadway.com video with her featured at the end. I watch those 10 seconds over and over and over...she is gorgeous, as well. Terra was one of the nicest people I have met at a stage door.

Updated On: 4/6/05 at 11:32 PM

[ckeaton]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:35pm

It seems odd to me to say this, but I read an article that said Paige is on for one week only. This week in Rochester. I personally don't believe it, but I have nothing to the contrary.

BT11, according to the program Mr. McCready is the full time Billy Flynn. He has two understudies behind him, which seems to be the norm for this production. The show's website is a bit behind as it would seem.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:38pm

Hmmm, must be a recent cast change. Gregory Harrison took back over the role after Tom Wopat. Kevin used to play Fred Casely. Good to hear he moved up. He has been with the tour for a while. Too bad he was not very good.

Updated On: 4/6/05 at 11:38 PM

[adamgreer]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:39pm

Finally appearing out of obscurity to post this....

According to Paige's website, she's only doing Chicago in Rochester- until April 10th, so the article you read was in fact, correct.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:42pm

Well AdamGreer, welcome aboard. Feel free to stay a while.

As for the one week thing, I wish I was a stage door type, because I would love to know why. Was the currently cast Roxie on pre-planned vacation? Are we between Roxies? Did Paige need the cash? Does she have a strange attraction to Rochester, NY? :)

All possiblities... but I simply must know the truth. hehe.

[Carl Magnum]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:42pm

Hey CK, great review.


I'd have to disagree with you on two points though.


In my opinion, of course, Momma wasn't good. She tried to take "when you're good to mamma" straight to church and it didn't work for me. Also where were the lesbian angles? Wasn't enough of a sleeze in my opinion.


Second while I liked Paige's take on Roxy and the wild energy she injected into the choreography, it made the final number look sloppy. And the Rag is all about the dance and not the character at that point. Other than that I thought she was great (paying a little more attention during Funny Honey wouldn't have hurt either, but that may have been direction and not her.)


Other than that it was great and I loved Kitty's entrance.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:44pm

Carol blew the house down! She didn't make much of the role, but sure could sing.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:47pm

Carl, I agree about the "Hot Honey Rag". Something about Paige and Terra didn't click as tightly as the rest of the ensemble. But I credit that to the fact that tonight was their second performance together, and they probably didn't have much rehearsal time.

As for Mama... she did seem to 'clean' it up just a bit. But the audience loved her, and I enjoyed her "Class".

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 4/6/05 at 11:49pm

Bianca and Terra work perfectly together!

[MTRBOI24]

Posted: 4/7/05 at 12:47am

How was the house? Full? Maybe Ill may the drive to see her in the show.

[CJR]

Posted: 4/7/05 at 1:29am

Paige is indeed only on tour for the Rochester stop... Bianca will return after Rochester

[DAME]

Posted: 4/7/05 at 1:49am

And Bianca is wonderful in the role.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 4/7/05 at 9:46am

The house was VERY full for a Wednesday night. It may be worth a trip. Try the usual ways to get tickets. You might luck out.

[ckeaton]

Posted: 4/7/05 at 4:43pm

A bump for the evening crew. If you near, check it out.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 4/7/05 at 4:46pm

Tom Wopat is now in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS. He probably had to leave a few weeks ago to go into rehearsals.

Is Gregory Harrison playing Billy in the LA production?

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 4/7/05 at 5:28pm

After all this good word of mouth on this thread, I can't wait to see it when it comes to Chicago. woooo...and it'll be my first time too

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/7/05 at 10:13pm

Great review, ck!

...felt like I was there.