Walked by the Ambassador today and saw that Jason Patrick Sands was on as Amos, and I had get a ticket for the evening performance. To my surprise, I received seat A6, which was a great seat.
The show was fantastic and finally back on fire! Many new faces in the ensemble, and the show is so much better for it. This was the first time in my 11 years of seeing this production that I got to see ALL new leads, aside from the great R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine. It made such a difference in my enjoyment of the show. Jennifer Nettles is a bubbly sensation, and delivers her performance like a seasoned Broadway pro. Her voice is fantastic as expected, but her acting and spirit on stage is just magnetic. Her dancing was surprisingly good, and besides the simplified Baby and no cart wheel, she was perfectly competent in the dance department.
Carly Hughes.... CARLY HUGHES. The Weisslers better consider keeping this woman around. Such a fresh and exciting performance. One of the best sung Velmas that I've ever seen, right up there with Luba Mason (who is a vocalist). Carly delivers a spunky and soulful performance, and she looks absolutely smashing. She reminds of when Brenda Braxton first started with the show. Jennifer and Carly are without a doubt the best sung Roxie and Velma that I've seen. Their voices complement each other so well, and they blend perfectly together. It is chill-inducing when Jennifer sings the optional (controversial?) harmony in My Own Best Friend.
Alexander Gemignani is a great Billy Flynn. Initially, I pictured him as Amos, but he is more than competent as Billy. Without a doubt the longest held note in GUN that I've heard from a Billy. The audience kept gasping.
Jason Patrick Sands is always a highlight in the ensemble, and is a fabulous Billy Flynn. I was so excited to see him as Amos, because it is against type for him. It's hard to turn him into a schlub, but they try to with an oversized sweater. He was mostly believable in the role, and brought a lot of heart to the character. This was one of the few times where you could actually believe that Roxie and Amos were a married couple. The Weisslers really need to start casting some younger Amos' again like they had done in the recent years. I am tired of Ray Bokhour, who is just as tired in the role as PJ Benjamin was. Amos doesn't need to be old and overweight, so hopefully they can continue to explore with more younger Amos' once Bokhour is done.
NaTasha Yvette Williams is an ideal Mama, and delivers just the right amount of riffs. She has great chemistry with Carly.
I am thrilled to say that the heat is finally back in the Broadway production of CHICAGO. The pulsing sensuality and sex appeal is finally evident again. The ensemble doesn't appear tired and bored, and the new and younger faces complement the remaining veterans wonderfully. I hope that that Weisslers can keep up with the fresh and exciting casting choices.
Updated On: 2/22/15 at 11:53 PM
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