Wow! Chicago the Razzle Dazzle Edition..

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 1:26pm

Is a must have.

I don't know if there has a been post on the DVD yet since its been released, but I just want to say how happy it made me.

The first disc features a 30 minute feature "From stage to screen, the history of Chicago." Which is just stunning. It features tons an tons of photographs/footage that I've never seen of the original production. PLUS it features Chita Rivera, Jerry Orbach, Fred Ebb, and Ann Reinking! Simply fantastic. Ann talked about playing Roxie in the original production. And they all talked about how Fosse would've felt with the film. I think Ann is dead on with how Fosse would've really felt. Plus sadly it features Orbach and Ebb shortly before they died.

The Chita's Encore segment is great. Chita was really thankful to make a cameo in the film.

The Liza feature is great! Some great stories about when Liza played the role. Plus amazing footage of Liza on the Dinah Shore Show singing NOWADAYS and Chita comes out and suprises her and sings with her. Truely a great moment.

This DVD is a MUST HAVE for all Chicago fans, and theatre fans in general.

All the footage, pictures, and stars sharing their stories from the original show is TRUELY appreciated.

Get this!

Updated On: 12/28/05 at 01:26 PM

[justme2]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 1:31pm

Wonderful! I will order the DVD now, based on your review. I want the set for those extras!

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 1:34pm

I got it for Christmas from my grandmother, but I've been too busy to have the chance to go through all the extras yet. There are so many of them, I didn't know which to choose first!

Updated On: 12/28/05 at 01:34 PM

[timote316]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 2:21pm

I forgot to ask for this for Christmas

That's alright, the gift cards I got cover it. I can't wait to get this!

[renthead92]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 2:24pm

I just picked my copy up today. Haven't had time to watch it yet, but I will. Can't Wait!

[jimmirae]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 2:29pm

I still think they made Chita look like a 210 year old Hooker in the film.

[Kringas]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 2:29pm

I got it for Christmas, too. I'm saving it to watch during my hangover on Sunday.

[other321]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 2:33pm

ljay889,
I assume that when you mention Anne Reinking in the "original" production, you are speaking of the revival. She was certainly not in the original broadway production and did not do such a great job playing Roxie. She is not the fine actor that Gwen Verdon and many others who have followed are.
Also, I think Mr. Fosse is rolling in his grave over the way Ms. Reinking has adapted his work. She has pushed the Fosse dance in a direction of flair and flash over style.

[Kringas]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 2:44pm

Ann (no e) Reinking was in the original production, just not the original cast.

[jimmirae]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 2:44pm

Reinking's whole career revolved around Bobby Fosse, She was either in his bed or his show, sometimes both. I too believe she has taken a bit too much liberty with his choreography to call it "Fosse" at times. Sometimes I see people swoon and say "Fosse!" and I'm telling them "No, It's watered down Reinking".
She was stunning when Fosse had her do "When Johnny comes marching Home" in "Dancin'". Maybe her finest hour.
To this day I think of Reinking every time I see the chorus of "Pippin". LOL, but True.

[hypertruffle]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 3:01pm

Errr....Ann Reinking replaced Gwen Verdon in the original run.

[justme2]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 3:11pm

lijay is quite the authority on all things Chicago, other321...and he is also a HUGE Verdon fan. No need to tell him how wonderful Verdon is.

[YankeeGal#24]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 3:16pm

"Ann Reinking replaced Gwen Verdon in the original run"

..and in Fosse's life!

[CapnHook]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 4:21pm

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=879513&dt=121905101532

[Marquise]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 4:28pm

In the From Stage to Screen feature Martin Richards states that Fosse has Ann play "Roxie" in the touring production but not in the Broadway production. There are stills that are shown of Ann in a curly blonde wig a la Verdon standing next to Orbach. Did Orbach also do the tour or is Richard's memory failing him?

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 4:40pm

According to the Internet Broadway Database, Ann Reinking took over the role of Roxie Hart during the original run, beginning Feb. 7, 1977.

[Marquise]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 4:46pm

So that answers my question: Martin Richard's memory is failing him.

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 5:02pm

Did Gwen and Bob ever divorce or was he having an affair with Ann?

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 5:13pm

They only "seperated" never divored.

But I know Ann and Gwen had GREAT respect for eachother. When Fosse had his heart attack it was Gwen & Ann by his side, and the doctors didn't know which one to talk to about his situation.

[best12bars]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 5:15pm

My god, ljay, that's the same as the scene in "All That Jazz."

Life immitating art, immitating life... etc.

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 6:10pm

damn you people! i was on the fence (i actually put it back not 3 hours ago) about this since i own the original but now i have to.

oh and fyi its $19.99 in target

[tthomas76]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 9:01pm

I'm really excited about this DVD... FYI: I saw on Bestbuy.com it's 15.99 Link is below. ust thought I'd share.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jspskuId=7317566&type=product&id=63257

[CJR]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 10:38pm

I got this for Christmas. Shamefully, I havent watched it yet.

I should get on that.

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 10:59pm

must... go.... to best buy, barnes and noble(my usual default stop since i get a 10% discount) has it for 30

[CJR]

Posted: 12/28/05 at 11:50pm

Walmart has it for 20.