A stunning production of Chicago is touring the country and makes a triumphant appearance at the Sheffield Lyceum this week.
Chicago, deservedly the longest running musical in American history, is based on two notorious murders by women in 1924 which were picked up by Christopher Isherwood in a 1937 novella and transformed into a musical in 1975 by legendary director and choreographer Bob Fosse supported by the musical team Kander and Ebb.
Despite dealing with two gruesome murders, the subject matter is given a satirical treatment which is perfectly judged, bursting with humour and complemented by witty lyrics and a compelling jazz orchestration.
Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart are two notorious murderers who compete for control while on death row and revel in front-page publicity in the sensationalist Chicago Tribune while awaiting their expected release.
They are supported in prison by matron Mama Morton, who will supply their every need if paid enough—"When you're good to Mama, Mama's good to you"—and more significantly by cynical lawyer Billy Flynn, who is making a pot of money out of their incarceration. Roxie's stupid and easily manipulated husband Amos Hart provides comedy and pathos.
Djalenga Scott is a beautiful, lithe and elegant Velma with boundless energy and remarkable leg extensions, while Faye Brookes as Roxie adds an expressive face to her impressive and vigorous dance skills.
Kevin Clifton is a convincingly mendacious lawyer, and husband Joshua Lloyd reaches out to the audience in a moving rendition of "Mr Cellophane". As Mama Morton, Brenda Edwards has a powerful and expressive deep alto voice, while Jordon Lee Davies as the reporter Mary Sunshine offers a wide vocal range and an unexpected surprise.
The supporting cast of five additional women murderers and a bevy of well-muscled young men perform the ensemble singing and dancing routines with expertise, defining characteristics in their roles and impressive energy.
The small orchestra under musical director Neil Macdonald provides a powerful rhythmic impetus for the whole show and play their jazz instruments with gusto. There are so many memorable items in the musical. Some, like Billy's fan dance "All I Care About is Love" or the ventriloquist piece "We Both Reached for the Gun" advance the plot, while others like "All that Jazz" or "Razzle Dazzle" are a joyful celebration of jazz music. "Mr Cellophane" is exceptional in that it honestly portrays Joshua's sad awareness that he is a virtually invisible nobody. It is a pleasure that the orchestra is given a short solo performance slot during the interval.
The choreography is complex, impressively precise and performed with huge enthusiasm by the whole cast. Costumes are minimal but practical and varied in a colour scale that places black against flesh with maximum effect.
This is an outstanding and hugely enjoyable production which I'm sure will play to full houses on its extensive tour. Book now to avoid disappointment.