Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread

Hello all. I tried to search for an existing Chicago the Musical Appreciation thread, but couldn't find anything. So, here it is. I just recently watched "Chicago" for the very first time, on March 17, 2011. Obviously, I had a blast...sitting in front of the stage. Leigh Zimmerman and Dylis Croman were fantastic in their roles as Velma / Roxie, respectively. The entire cast was on fire, especially R. Lowe and Jason Patrick Sands. Perhaps you'd like to share your "Chicago" experiences, once more. I especially would be fascinated to know the years you saw the show and your experiences at the stage door too. What specifically about the show did you like? Who are among some of your favorite "Chicago" actors? Yes, although Chicago has been around for 14 years or so, let's not take it for granted. I must admit that I am guilty of that....not thinking of seeing the show during the first four times I traveled to NYC. But now, having seen it finally, I am very much a fan of "Chicago". I most definitely plan on seeing it the next time I go to NYC. The people involved with it not only put on a great show, but they give so much of their time and effort to the community. If you are a "Chicago" fan, share the love, spread the word....and "all that jazz." from RC in Austin, Texas

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Here's a cool Seth Rudetsky "Obsessed" with Ryan Lowe (Chicago). His voice is A-MA-zing! from RC in Austin, Texas
"Obsessed" with Ryan Lowe

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I liked it better when it was "Chicago - A Musical Vaudeville" and had a colorful set and costume changes. After a while, black on black gets tiresome.

Having seen oodles of video clips of Roxie/Velma singing "Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag", I'd love to see two of the Men of Chicago tackle those songs/dance routines. Perhaps at some benefit? It would be fantastic. from RC in Austin, Texas

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I have seen chicago in London/Boston and 5 times in NYC
I have seen stars/and unknowns in it
(melanie/brooke/bebe/luba/maria friedman/ruthie) still my favorie show ever and I actually
have to get back to see it again..(i have to see it every 2 years for a fix LOL )
GREAT SHOW ALWAYS ENTERTAINING..PERFECT MUSICAL

Updated On: 3/21/11 at 01:05 PM

I had a bit of luck sitting on the front row (March 17th). I did get to catch one of the roses that Velma Kelly (Leigh Zimmerman) threw to the audience. Also, I notice that the "Chicago" advertising seems to overwhelmingly focus on the Ladies of Chicago. Every once in a while, you notice some of the guys. I wish the Men of Chicago could receive a bit more coverage in the ads. Just wondering... RC in Austin, Texas

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Oh yes, please, let's not bring the movie choreography into this. I love the stage show, and have seen an awful lot of diffrent casts, from the original, to the original revival on.

I like the male Hot Honey Rag idea. In fact, I think that would be a great Broadway Backwards/Broadway Miscast idea.

Of the recent Billy Flynns, Tom Hewitt, currently at Irondale's Treasure Island, is one of my favorites.

It *is* funny. I dunno, I don't mind the black minimalistic revival look, and I do think that in some ways it helped lead to its success (I know my mom--who can be slightly prudish for lack of a better word--loved the revival, but finds some of the costumes from the original production she's seen a bit too sleazy I guess is the word, like the women in All I Care About is Love). It's funny, it's not like they're wearing much more clothes in the revival, actually, but it does kinda give the show an element of class that I think wasn't in Fosse's original vision (which to be fair he prob was right about).

Fosse had a personal period in his life that WASN'T very bleak and almost nihilistic?

ghostlight2, I think you are obsessing on me a little like your old time poster friend. Hope you don't follow your friend's example by harassing me with multiple posts declaring love for the guy in my avatar or using my username to title a thread full of lies.

I wouldn't want your "good standing" here on these boards questioned by your obvious cyber stalking.

Updated On: 3/22/11 at 10:58 PM

I'm pretty sure it was Chicago, not Pippin, Eric. .

ETA @ZebLuv: you start posting in a thread after I do and I'm the one doing the stalking? If you have something to say to me, send me a PM, don't threadjack. And maybe switch to decaf - I think that paranoia you talk about might be catching.

Updated On: 3/23/11 at 12:57 PM

I'm curious about a couple of things about the "Chicago" stage door. One, there weren't any metal barricades in place outside. I thought most theatres did that. Two, I was surprised that there weren't more people at the stage door. For those of you who have seen "Chicago", how has the stage door environment looked to you? I still have that "afterglow" of seeing "Chicago" for the first time on March 17th. I wish I could go there for Pride Weekend. Hmmm.. from RC in Austin, Texas

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The thing I love about this show is that the staging, choreography, and the stark sleek beauty of the show make it a timeless production. The show is a true Broadway classic, and every time I see it I am just in awe of the production. The onstage orchestra in the jury box, the black costumes, and crisp lighting just make it even more stunning in a completely different way than any other Broadway show.

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