It's time for Chicago to go — Page 4

CJR-

I didn't see Brooke either. But I have to say I don't really think its fair to judge her performance on a press reel.

I know you know a whole lot about CHICAGO, and I totally respect that. I really do. But a person simply cannot judge a performance on a press reel, no matter how familiar they are with the show, production, other cast members etc.

Just my 2 cents to defend Ms. Shields, whom I've enjoyed in other things.

It's more than fair. Press reels are shot during an actual performance.

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Worst Velma ever.. Jasmine Guy. ( she also happens to be a b***h in real life. )

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I didn't have it in for Brooke from day one. (Melanie Griffith, however, is another story entirely) Even though I DISPISED her in Grease!, I liked her in Wonderful Town (and I went so far as to say that here numerous times)... I just thought she was horribly wrong for the role of Roxie. The ghastly wig didnt help matters, but she can't be blamed for that. However, I digress.

In any event, I suppose I'm so firm in my convictions with this one because I don't like to 'settle' with performers in Chicago (or any show for that matter) and I can think of SO many performers who could have (and HAVE) blown Roxie out of the water.

Just sayin

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She was fun, not the best vocally or physically, but she was having a lot of fun on that stage, and in return, so was the audience.

Thesbijean!!! That's what's important! Ahh thank you so much for making that sentiment, people here tend to forget that that's what it's all about sometimes!

I'm probably alone on this (because apparently I'm alone on Brooke as Roxie as a whole) but I was going by the overall performance. Yes, she was "fine". She was "fine" for someone who'd never seen Chicago before, or someone who'd only seen it a few times and maybe not seen the cast completely shine. She was "fine" for someone who isn't such a tough critic of the show, like myself.

My statements really didnt have anything to do with her abilities. There were plenty of sour notes hit by Brooke in Wonderful Town and I still enjoyed her nonetheless. I actually saw the show 5 times with her in it, so this isnt a personal vendetta or anything.

There's just a certain something that I feel should be brought to the leads in Chicago. That something that makes me all excited when the curtain goes up... it's something that doesnt make me wish I was elsewhere when one of the leads was performing a solo number onstage.... Brooke, I found, lacked that something as Roxie. For me anyway. But again, Im a really tough critic when it comes to Chicago and you all know that.

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I've seen the show many times, and I didn't have any major issues with Brooke's performance. Not the best vocally, but certainly not the worst in the acting, dancing or singing departments. Though I think all Roxies since Melanie have been helped by the fact that I saw that performance, and everyone since has seemed at least passable! (But I can think of a couple of other Roxies off the top of my head who I thought were less enjoyable than Brooke.) I also think that Brooke was helped by the fact that she was paired with Luba Mason, the worst-danced Velma I've seen thus far. (I never saw Jasmine Guy.)

I do think that even when the leads aren't the best, the material and (sometimes) the ensemble make up for it. I think the score and the choreography are better than those of a lot of other shows currently on Broadway. You can almost get away with one or two mediocre leads in that show. But the last time I saw it, with Charlotte and Brenda Braxton, the cast had so much energy and it seemed so fresh that I realized I had almost forgotten what it was like to really enjoy the show and not let it get away with coasting! (And this despite a game but somewhat miscast Huey Lewis.)

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Dame (re Jasmine Guy) don't they usually say it is the least talented people that are the most difficult.

Dollypop, I'm still waiting for the promised casting of Loretta Switt as Billy.

Anyone here see Caroline O'Connor as Velma?

If the Weisslers asked Caroline back, I'd visit the show again.

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I looooooooooooooooooved Caroline. The show at that time was one of my favorites. Caroline, Billy Zane, Charlotte..... oh, one of the best casts.

As for Jasmine Guy, I actually quite liked her. And she was always a sweetheart to me.

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You're not alone there, alterego.

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