CHICAGO - Help!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 12:47am

Hey all -

I (ever-so-ecstatically) just booked a pair (BB / 106-107) of tickets to see CHICAGO at the Ambassador for Saturday, the 31st. It's my first time seeing the show live, and of course, my first at the Ambassador. For anyone who's seen the show (with the current cast) - Am I in for a treat? I mean, my only 'exposure' to the Kander and Ebb classic is (a) the Jerry Orbach TONY performance and (b) the 2002 Academy Award-winning motion picture adaptation. Any and all insight appreciated. Thank you kindly in advance!

Best,
- Mike

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 1:01am

I guess it depends on what shape the cast is in. It's dancing and singing... I mean... there isn't much else to the show... so... if the dancing and singing ain't good... well...

The show is sooo very wonderful when the cast is on point... About two years ago it was a well oiled machine... perfection! Electric! I was astonished it was running so well so far into it's run. Not a finger point out of place. That said... many of the people I saw are still in the show... from what I can tell... so... I imagine... perhaps their fingers might be tired.

Interested to see what others who have seen it more recently think.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 1:32am

I saw it back in January and absolutely loved it. Too bad Michelle DeJean isn't playing Roxie anymore. She was really really good. But I heard her replacement is really good too.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 1:39am

Please be aware that despite the huge "Razzle Dazzle" sign in Times Square, this show is not a spectacle. It has virtually no set, and the costumes are skimpy in both senses of the word. I wish somebody had told me it was so "bare" before I saw it, because based on the movie and the said advertisement, I expected a lot of "razzle dazzle." That said, the show is very entertaining, and has a tight, funny book and incredible score. And of course, the dancing is incredible. I was lucky enough to see a very strong cast (Charlotte D'Amboise, Pia Dowes, Tom Wopat), and the cast it what makes or breaks this show. Even if the cast isn't amazing, you'll undoubtedly have a great time!

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 1:48am

It's great and shouldn't be missed. If the cast is top notch you WILL be razzle-dazzled.

[jeniferrenepatricia]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 1:53am

I saw "Chicago" with Ann Reinking, BeBe Neuwirth, James Naughton, and Joel Grey many times. I absolutely love this show!! That was a fabulous cast, but I agree with ljay899- if the cast is still good, it shouldn't be missed!!!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 2:10am

Aside from the fact that it's "a classic" and I having not seen it yet, my *other* reason for going is Jeff McCarthy. I'm (knowingly and admittedly) a fan of his work, and I know his engagement ends on June 1. I imagine he's wonderful as Flynn - I can definitely see him in the role of the slick, sly, smug lawyer, and the voice? Perfection, IMHO. Anyone know who's playing Velma since Mya is unfortunately not doing the show?
Updated On: 5/7/08 at 02:10 AM

[blaxx]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 2:12am

Probably Brenda Braxton? They bring her to play Velma and Bianca Marroquin to play Roxie whenever they get a chance, or there is a need, between replacements.

You must see it though, it's SO sexy.

Updated On: 5/7/08 at 02:12 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 2:13am

Me loves me some 'sexay'

[BwayLeadman]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 8:04am

i saw the show Last Friday night for the first time and I enjoyed myself! Hope you will too...

[once a month]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 8:14am

Have a GREAT time at the show! I always enjoyed this show, from the first touring company in the mid seventies, and four additional times since it reopened. I always thought it was the sexiest show on Broadway!

[Hanna from Hamburg]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 8:25am

The thing that's so amazing about this interpretation of the show (since it's stripped down) is that it allows the basic elements of the piece to shine. It is a BRILLIANT score and book, the choreography is amazing, and if the cast is good, you get to appreciate PURE razzle-dazzle without the need for overblown sets/costumes/effects.

[george95]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 8:44am

The Razzle Dazzle sign for this show in Times Square does make sense because CHICAGO does have a lot of razzle dazzle--with its choreography, book, and music. The staging is great because it lets you focus on the real stars of the show--the dancers and the music.

[kel62286]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 10:26am

I thought the cast was good, especially Bianca as Roxie. I am not sure if she is still there, but definetely see it. I liked the fact that it didnt have a huge set and I don't think it needed it.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 11:34am

Keep in mind this 1996 Broadway revival of CHICAGO is based on the 1996 Encores! Concert Series staging of the show therefore it is presented and staged 'concert-style'. Bare stage; orchestra on stage; black tie and black costumes.

Bob Fosse's original 1975 Broadway production was a full-scale production with sets and period costumes. Rob Marshall's 2002 film-adaptation of CHICAGO is based on this 1975 Broadway production and not the current 'concert-style' Broadway revival.

Hope this helps.

[musicalsFan]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 11:52am

Telecharge shows Jeff M. leaving 7/13 and Bianca M as Roxie.
No mention of who'll be Velma.

[fosca3]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 12:22pm

I have a note in my calendar that Jeff McCarthy is leaving June 1 (I was hoping to make it up to see him)

If he's staying till July 13, that's GREAT news. I think I can do that

Mike - please post a report or PM me after you see the show, if you would. I'd love to hear how he does as Billy Flynn, and if you recommend a special trip just to see him

(I've already seen Chicago several times, but LOVED Mr McCarthy in Urinetown)

Updated On: 5/7/08 at 12:22 PM

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 12:51pm

Here is the set design for the current 'concert-style' Broadway revival of CHICAGO (the principals make their entrances from those stairs, center stage):



Here is Tony Walton's set for the original 1975 Broadway production of CHICAGO (the band/orchestra is above the stage on that 2nd tier of the set):

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 2:35pm

WoW! That's pretty incredible stuff!

I will most definitely fill you in, fosca!

Thanks for the insight, guys!

...Is the stage high?

[Thomas14850ny2]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 2:46pm

"Bob Fosse's original 1975 Broadway production was a full-scale production with sets and period costumes."

I saw it. It was hardly full-scale, but excellent. The orchestra was on top of a round band-stand on stage.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/7/08 at 3:42pm

Bumpity, bump, bump...