Chicago lost its razzle dazzle

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 2/29/04 at 5:21pm

I saw Chicago today for the second time. I really like the show but have to say the current cast has as much stage presence as an apple. Norm Lewis who was Billie had no charm , charisma or anything that the character is supposed to be. Of course D. Sabela was great as were Brenda Braxton and Roxane Carrasco (who should have a much larger role) Gretchen Mol left much to be desired in the acting and dance dept. Her singing was just o.k. but what can you do the girl learned her wonderful technique's from the acclaimed AMDA ..ha anyway I was really dissapointed and bored this afternoon during the show, which is rare since I enjoy most shows at least somewhat. Has anyone seen the show recently? What are your opinions?

[johny0828]

Posted: 2/29/04 at 8:18pm

thats a bumer. i haven't seen the show in awhile and im waiting to go back this summer for paige davis.

[CJR]

Posted: 2/29/04 at 10:11pm

Yes, Roxane should definitely be in a bigger role.... She's phenomenal as Velma and Mama. Should I hear in advance when she's going on in either role I'll let you know. She's definitely worth the return trip.

[Broadwaylilhead]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 9:31am

I couldnt agree more- this show needs a MAJOR overhaul in its cast. I saw it about a month ago and was bored silly.

I could almost hear the actors picking up the phone before showtime: "Hello, performance? I'm going to need you to go on today..."

[GirlfriendFromCanada]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 11:02am

I saw it two years ago or so, and I thought the cast was really lackluster. I went in expecting to really like the show and left really disappointed. I found the movie much more entertaining, but that experience has kind of turned me off of the show as a whole.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 11:58am

OK - my turn for my two cents...why do people continually spend their money seeing the same shows over and over again? (could this be yet another defense that there ain't much good happening on Broadway?) I liked Chicago as much as the next guy - but seeing it once and paying those ungodly Broadway prices was enough for me - now I'll be glad to see ANOTHER production done completely differently with an all new cast (and this is nothing against the people doing it on B'way and in the tours - they are all great) I just don't care to see the same show over and over again, unless its a new production each time and has something new to learn from it. Just my humble opinion.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 12:06pm

I saw "Chicago" shortly after this current revival opened. Bebe was in, but Ann was out due to injury and the audience had to suffer through a second rate performance by her understudy, Nancy Hess. Once was definitely enough for me, especially after seeing what a great job Robb Marshall did with the movie.

[FrancisGumm]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 1:55pm

Christopher Siber is coming to Chicago and hopefully should bring it back a bit. he is great!

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 2:02pm

Well Redhot...
I saw it the first time on comps and yesterday for 25 bux so I wasn't out to much:P

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 2:17pm

Well Chicago is one of those few shows that I do enjoy seeing more than once. And I have found that on most occasions the different casts have made it into a new experience for me (albeit not always a good experience. Jasmine Guy anyone?). At this point however; Unless Bebe returns and they pair her with Charlotte or Ruthie Henshal; my Chicago going days are over.

[ChristineDaae]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 3:40pm

When I first saw Chicago wich was like 2 weeks ago I thought it was pretty good. Norm Lewis was the first Billy I saw so he seemd ok to me. He had a good voice.

[bially082]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 4:23pm

The show better get it's Razzle Dazzle back soon. Believe it or not I havn't seen the Broadway production! We'll have a new Roxie when I see it I think. I'd like to have an enjoyable experience. Since it will be her first night in the show, maybe the energy will be better.

[WestEndBird]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 4:37pm

EEEK!!! Hope its not upsetting when I see it...it will be one of my first shows I have ever seen acutally on B-Way..(minus Jekyll and Hyde)

[CJR]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 5:28pm

Chicago is a great show. I've seen it many times for various reasons (usually different friends going on in different roles and/or joining/re-joining the company). Even I am sick of seeing it now. I love the show and the people in it... but the last time I saw it I felt like a lot of people were phoning in their performance. Rox was phenomenal as usual -- Ive never seen her NOT be on top of her game, Bianca as Roxie blew me away and Debbie Gravitte as Mama was a very welcomed addition to the cast.

Yes, Chicago DOES need a huge cast overhaul though. Would like to see Gabby Garcia (who is a swing in the company) as Velma. She covered Velma in the Mexico City production when Sandra Guido hurt herself and was AMAZING. I'd also love to see Michelle Robinson (currently playing Liz) as Velma. I think she'd rock the house.

As for new blood though.... *cough*DonnaLynneChamplinAsRoxie*cough*

[NBC]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 6:13pm

Michelle M. Robinson...who as of yesterday was in Los Angeles appearing on the Oscars! So Dana Moore was probably Liz last week.

All I have to say about Chicago is that I can't have any more of my favorite ensemble members picking up and heading to the West Coast.

[CJR]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 6:43pm

I hear ya NBC. (*waves* HIIIII!!!!!!!)

I didn't know MMR was there till today... I'm a slacker and didn't watch last night!

[newyorkuniq]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 7:01pm

I was wondering why she wasn't there yesterday. They didn't have an insert saying she was out so I thought maybe she had left the company.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/1/04 at 10:19pm

I thought Richard Chamberlain was going to be the next Billy Flynn.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/2/04 at 8:32pm

Those anyone know how many people have played each lead since the revival opened?

[CJR]

Posted: 3/3/04 at 12:20am

I'll hazard a guess on this one.. maybe someone can then fill in anyone I've forgotten.. (I'm listing Broadway only, not tour leads as well)

Roxie: Ann Reinking, Nancy Hess, Belle Calaway, Charlotte d'Amboise, Amy Spanger, Donna Marie Asbury, Nana Visitor, Denise Van Outen, Karen Ziemba, Marilu Henner, Tracy Shayne, Bianca Marroquin, Michelle Potterf, Melanie Griffith, Gretchen Mol, Petra Neilsen, Sandy Duncan, Caitlin Carter

Velma: Bebe Neuwirth, Deidre Goodwin, Donna Marie Asbury, Roxane Carrasco, Jasmine Guy, Caroline O'Connor, Vicki Lewis, Brenda Braxton, Reva Rice, Mamie Duncan Gibbs, Nancy Hess, Ruthie Henshall,Sharon Lawrence, Stephanie Pope, Ute Lemper, Anna Montanaro

Billy: James Naughton, Brent Barrett, Robert Urich, Alan Thicke, Clarke Peters, Bernard Dotson, Destan Owens, Billy Zane, Kevin Richardson, Gregory Harrison, George Hamilton, Eric Jordan Young, Michael Kubala, Shawn Emamjomeh, Ron Raines, Taye Diggs, Patrick Swayze, Norm Lewis, Michael Berresse, Hilton Battle, Chuck Cooper, Lou Gossett Jr, Michael C. Hall, Greg Mitchell

Mama: Roxane Carrasco, Marcia Lewis, Roz Ryan, BJ Crosby, Belle Calaway, Angie Stone, Camille Saviola, Michele Pawk, Michelle Robinson, Mamie Duncan Gibbs, Debbie Gravitte, Jennifer Holliday, Alix Korey

Amos: Joel Grey, Rob Bartlett, PJ Benjamin, Michael Kubala, John Mineo, Ernie Sabella, Tom McGowen, Ray Bokhour

Mary Sunshine: Roy Bean, David Sabella, Mark Agnes, Alonzo Saunders, J. Maldonado, J. Roberson, Jeff Loeffelholz

I've GOT to be missing people, but I can't even think.... anyone have any ideas?

Updated On: 3/3/04 at 12:20 AM

[etoile]

Posted: 3/3/04 at 12:33am

Check ibdb.

[Corine2]

Posted: 3/3/04 at 1:24am

Bring back the best Billy.
Brent Barrett.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/3/04 at 4:32am

CJR thats excellent. Any members with the company since day one?

[NBC]

Posted: 3/3/04 at 10:35am

CJR (Hi!), I think you've covered almost everyone, except J. Loeffelholz as Mary Sunshine. He's been with the company from day one as the standby for that role, and Michael Kubala and John Mineo, who play Sgt. Fogarty and Bailiff/Court Clerk, respectively, have been with the show since it started, and did the Encores! concert, too. Michelle Robinson was a swing from day one, I think...or very early on, at any rate.

Two more Billy Flynns...Michael C. Hall and Gregory Mitchell (the latter as an understudy).

I also think that Tom McGowan had a Broadway run as Amos...and I don't think Carol Woods was Mama on Broadway, I think she's only done the tour.

That's all I can think of...and I don't know about all the understudies, did Caitlin Carter ever go on as Roxie? Or Denis Jones as Amos? Oh, wait, I know Jeff Shade played Amos as an understudy, I think that was on Broadway. Ok, I'm done.

I am such a dork.

[Corine2]

Posted: 3/3/04 at 10:51am

What about Kerry Butler as Roxie?