The Singular Wonder that is CHICAGO

[robbiej]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 11:22am

I saw the original revival company of CHICAGO (sans an ailing Anne Reinking) back in 1997. Although I enjoyed the show greatly, I wasn't sure what all the hoopla was about. After revisiting the piece last night, I finally realize what an economical, nearly perfect piece of musical theatre this show is. And this staging moves like a whirlwind.

First...let's discuss the newest edition to the cast, one Mindy Paige Davis Page (henceforth known as MPDP...thanks, Television Without Pity!). MPDP is one of my favorite personalities currently working in the medium known as television. Her pixie-like presence, her insouciance, if you will, serves her well in this production. Her's is not the most deeply felt Roxie, nor the best sung. But her natural charm and warmth make her a lovable, creamy center to this dark-chocolate confection (I'm feeling VERY metaphorical today).

Last night, I saw an understudy for Billy Flynn. Now...I feel bad making this criticism, but if you come off as gay on stage and are playing a character that doesn't necessarily have to be heterosexual, then why not just go ahead and play him gay? Sexuality is important for any character, but most especially for a character like Billy Flynn. Negating your own sexuality (be it real or perceived) essentially removes that trait from a character. There are many, many gay (or gay-perceived) actors that can play straight effectively. That's not what happened last night. In the few, rare moments I saw a flash of that sass that radiates naturally from many gay men, I thought 'YES! Go further!' It reminded me of Douglas Sills' performance in LITTLE SHOP. If you remove the sex (gay, straight or anything else), you remove an essential part of the character.

Now...one critique of the ensemble. Watching this version of CHICAGO reminded me of the scene in ALL THAT JAZZ where the composer begs Joe Gideon for a soprano. Just one pit singer who could have taken the top parts in all the ensemble numbers would have been appreciated.

That is, however, my only critique of the ensemble. Is it possible that this group of dancers is stronger than the group I saw years and years ago. It certainly seemed that way. Special mentions must be made of Denis Jones for his remarkable gorgeous dance ability, Greg Feur (don't have my Playbill for proper spelling!) for being so wonderfully sexy, Mark Anthony Ray (I hope that's his name) for his GENIUS work as the Jury and, most especially, Michelle Robinson for her brilliant work in THE CELL BLOCK TANGO.

A truly wonderful evening. And I sat right in front of Doug, Hildy and Edward from TRADING SPACES, who were all there supporting MPDP. What a hoot!!!

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 11:25am

WOW!

Great to hear Paige is doing well...

Gay Billy, huh? I wanna see Chris Sieber in this role SO bad!

When I saw Chicago last month, ensemble standouts were most definately Roxanne Carrasco, Greg Reuter, Denis Jones, and Jennifer West. They were superb.

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 6/23/04 at 12:11pm

aww thats nice that the trading spaces group was there to support her. MPDP looks good in the role and she was awesome in beauty and the beast.

Posted: 6/23/04 at 1:31pm

Who played Billy Flynn?