CHICAGO or NEWSIES — Page 2

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#26

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/18/13 at 9:33pm

Having seen "Chicago" both on tour and on Broadway, they are basically the same, for the most part. The thing about "Chicago" is that the choreography (and there is a great deal of it...despite what some critics might say)is not completely frozen. Cast members are allowed to present their own interpretations from time to time. Each "Roxie" or "Velma" can add their own special touches..subtle at times, but they are there. Granted some celebrity "Roxies" perform at a basic level...and not the full-on choreography as the Broadway/tour veterans. There IS dancing...subtle and full-on. The hallmark of the Fosse style is simplicity in movements on many occasions. But to me and to the many "Chicago" fans, the dancing is magical. Someone mentioned that many take long running shows like "Chicago" for granted. I took the show for granted, not even considering seeing it the first few years I visited NYC. Now, having seen it for the first time in 2011, I can't get enough of it. I could kick myself for not having seen it early on. So, if I'm effusive of my praise of "Chicago", it is because I've learned to appreciate what it has to offer. from RC in Austin, Texas

"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)

#27

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/18/13 at 9:37pm

Chicago. No question.

"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "

#28

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/18/13 at 9:47pm

It depends on your interests.

I idolize Bob Fosse so the last time I was in NYC, oddly enough I had to choose between these two shows as well, there was no contest, CHICAGO all the way!! The choreography was beyond spectacular,the feathers, the sequins, the glamour, all the razzle dazzle were all there. I do agree that the Roxie I saw seemed a little not into it, but the rest of the cast were amazing.

#29

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/19/13 at 1:40am

I only narrowed it down to these two shows because I have already seen PHANTOM, BOOK OF MORMON, WICKED, and THE LION KING (although it was a long time ago) at the Pantages Theatre in LA, and am looking for something new.

My biggest pet peeve right now is when people pronounce it "Marry-us" and not "Mah-ree-us".

#30

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/19/13 at 5:50am

When on its game, Chicago is a terrific show. Right now, its in a good place.

Newsies is fine, but hardly great theater.

And I agree: how did you arrive at THESE two shows?

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

#31

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/19/13 at 8:01pm

The current "Roxie" is Amy Spanger. She's been on since September 2012. She and Amra Wright are scheduled to depart on April 7th. I'm hoping that Bianca Marroquin (Roxie) and Terra C MacLeod (Velma) return to their respective roles. from RC in Austin, TExas

#32

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/19/13 at 8:56pm

I actually saw both of those shows (my first time for both) in the same weekend at the beginning of March. Personally, Newsies impressed me more than Chicago did. Like others are saying, Newsies is a really high energy show - big ensemble singing and dancing numbers that will leave you smiling. It's a young and energetic cast that you can see are having a lot of fun on stage. To me, Chicago didn't feel quite as stale as people here are saying, but still not as fresh as Newsies. I also agree that it depends what you're in the mood for. Newsies is a feel good, fluffy Disney story while Chicago is deeper and darker, which is reflected in the style of the music and dancing in each show. I'm also a fan of Alan Menken's musical style, so again that influenced my opinion.

Updated On: 3/19/13 at 08:56 PM

#33

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/19/13 at 9:41pm

If Chris Sieber is still on for Billy Flynn, he's the only reason to see CHICAGO, which otherwise is so tired and stale.

NEWSIES is more fun, much bigger certainly (it cannot be stressed enough that CHICAGO is a staged concert. NEWSIES, and everything else on Broadway, is a full production.) Neither is in my Top 5 but NEWSIES is much closer, probably Top 10 for me on Broadway.

Words don't deserve that kind of malarkey. They're innocent, neutral, precise, standing for this, describing that, meaning the other, so if you look after them you can build bridges across incomprehension and chaos. But when they get their corners knocked off, they're no good anymore…I don't think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little.

#34

CHICAGO or NEWSIES

Posted: 3/19/13 at 10:12pm

The current "Roxie" is Amy Spanger.

This could be a good decision or a bad one... I'm interested.

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