Chicago, 5th Ave Theatre

This is my first time seeing this iconic show! Chicago is famous for a reason: well-known catchy songs, vivid characters, and the dancing! Bob Fosse choreographed the original show. My understanding is traveling versions are choreographed in the Fosse style, but not move for move the Fosse show or even the updated Ann Reinking show that it is on broadway now.  But all the signature moves are there. The shuffling, sharps elbows, the turn outs.  I have to wonder how fresh and exciting this much have all felt when this show first premiered in the 70s.

For a classic, the show absolutely holds up. And if the story is wild, it is all based on actual murder trials. I really loved the staging. Very simple, with the jazz band on the stage. The cast entirely in the signature sexy black outfits. You’d barely know this is supposed to be a jail, but it works.  The lead cast is all good, singing and dancing away. The hits start early, and the show delivered on “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango” and “When You’re Good To Mama.” Roxie and Velma are delightfully self-centered. You don’t really feel for them, but still sort of rooting for them? It’s a hard line to straddle and they do it well. Mama, Amos and Mary Sunshine were also standouts.  The book, songs and choreography are so good, I wonder if it’s really impossible to mess it up. But talented performers make it look easy.