Jerry Springer in Chicago - Review

[saveusmike]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 1:35am

I have seen the movie before I seen the production on stage and I finally saw it for the first time December of 08. I was very dissapointed by the lack of no set and I left liking the show but so many months later I really didnt have anything rememberable about it, just that it was good.
So when I heard Jerry was doing a limited run ad Billy Flynn I was so curious to see it.

I went with my best friend and we sat in the very first row, The set isint high at all and the view was just amazing. Not that many people knew about Jerry Springers run, but illl get to that in a second. So I was more than pleasently suprised with the addition of Bianca Marroquin she did a FANTASTIC job as Roxie Hart and just got me so into the show, Even if you dont go to see it for Jerry I would see it for Bianca!

NextI have always liked Amra but during the first minute or 2 of "All that Jazz" she really seemed dead but just like that you can tell she got energized and gave a great performance. But nowto the main reason I went to the see the show, Jerry Springer.

When a ensemble member announced Mister Billy Flynn I was so anxious and excited but I looked around and no that many other people were. So out comes Billy Flynn and You automatically hear whisperes and "oh my god" "is that...?" I think so many people were suprised. He wasnt the greatest singer but he did good and wasnt horrible by any means. I can gaurentee nobody really minded the fact that he couldnt hit high notes. My friend told me to look around and I did and every single person I looked at stared dead at Jerry with a smile on their faces. He got a huge ovation and everyone was happy. Springer though, overacts to much. I understand your supposed to talk using your hands in acting but Jerrys arms seemed to constantly flail all over the place. Jerry did a good job playing billy flynn, but if they cast a unknown actor as billy flynn and he gave a "springer" performance, I would be extremly dissapointed.


After the show I stagedoored and Jerry did come out, sign autographs and pictures and was a friendly easy to talk to guy.


Overall it was a GREAT show and made me like chicago so much more than I ever did. One of my best theater experiences I had in a while and I would deffinetly reccomend going for the Springer factor and the fact that Biana is AMAZING Roxie

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 1:44am

Grammar. Spelling. Punctuation.

[Annas_Priest]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 1:45am

Its just an informal review, get over yourself ljay

[blaxx]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 2:23am

I wonder why it is that Bianca is so good on Broadway and so AWFUL on tour.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 3:03am

I thought she was great on tour. Jerry Springer seems to have a serviceable voice judging from the youtube clip so I don't really understand why some people seem to be so outraged. Serviceable seems to be the only qualification for the Weisslers.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 7:05am

I thought Terra McCleod was taking over as Velma?

[Just_John]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 7:33am

Amra-Faye Wright as Velma (thru 8/23)
Terra Macleod as Velma (8/24 - 9/6)
Bianca Marroquin as Roxie (8/17 - 9/6)

[adamgreer]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 7:45am

Ahhh, Amra has another week. Thanks.

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 8/19/09 at 10:30am

It's a great bit of stunt casting, and I'm sure it fits just fine .... get a flamboyant sleazy entertainer to play a flamboyant sleazy lawyer/entertainer.

[Kev]

Posted: 8/27/09 at 12:13am

I recently caught up with the show again, and with Mr. Springer.

While Springer was not an ideal Billy Flynn (he lacked the cool smarminess required of the role and yes, did flail his arms/hands excessively), he put forth a great effort and looked to be having a ball onstage. The audience was with him every step of the way.

Bianca Marroquin gave a tamer performance than usual and it worked to her advantage. Terra MacLeod was stellar throughout the evening.

And whether it was the responsive audience and/or the camera filming B-roll footage, the performance felt fresh and fun.