'Chicago' is all that jazz and more

By Maya Washington
Staff Writer

As the curtain opens, an announcer warns, "Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery -- all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts."
Winner of six Tony Awards in 1997, including Best Musical Revival, Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Choreography, "Chicago" brings its award winning style and showmanship to Los Angeles.
Black spandex and sheer fabric barely cover the well contoured bodies of the Chicago cast. Strong, sophisticated, and sexy, choreography by Ann Reinking, in the style of Bob Fosse, is well executed by the all-star company of singers and dancers. Popular songs such as "All that Jazz," and "Razzle Dazzle," only add to the excitement and showbiz of the production.
The action takes place in Chicago in 1926. A nightclub dancer, Roxie Hart (Charlotte d'Amboise) kills her lover and is thrown into jail for murder. Her dreams of making it big in vaudeville cause her to hire a high profile lawyer, Billy Flynn (Brent Barrett). While in jail, she meets other women accused of murder including crime boss Matron "Mama" Morton (Avery Sommers), and Velma Kelly (Jasmine Guy), a woman who also seeks fame. Roxie's pathetic husband, Amos Hart (Ron Orbach), exemplifies the phrase, "nice guys finish last."
The set is very minimal with an oversized jury box center stage that is home to the orchestra. Adding to the overall effect of "Chicago" are the well-developed characters. Characterization is large, two-dimensional, and almost cartoon-like. However, the actors allow each role to emerge truthfully with style and many dimensions.
With a list of Broadway and off-Broadway credits, including "Jerome Robbins Broadway" for which she received a Tony nomination, d'Amboise steals the show as Roxie Hart. She creates a lovable sweet heroine who, at times becomes vindictive, shallow, and greedy. The ease at which this well-rounded performer transitions through emotion is phenomenal.
Although d'Amboise shares top billing with Guy, the latter has captured all the headlines. Opening night placed considerable pressure for the headliner to show audiences what Jasmine Guy could do. Although she is best known for her popular role as Whitley Gilbert on the hit television show A Different World, Guy also has numerous stage credits. Guy's career began as a dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Her many on and off Broadway appearances make it evident musical theater and dance are very much a part of her performance ability, allowing the audience to suspend their disbelief and imagine her as Kelly.
Barrett plays Billy Flynn, the debonair lawyer with a perpetual smile on his face. Barrett enters and exits with great flair. Like the rest of the cast, Barrett has a long list of Broadway, television and film credits.
Orbach is Amos Hart, the pathetic yet devoted husband of Roxie Hart. Orbach captures the audience as the most "normal" of all the characters. He is fully-clothed and wears a Mr. Rogers- inspired cardigan.
"Chicago" is an entertaining blend of music, dance, comedy, drama and lots of surprises. The revival of the production has proved successful. "Chicago" becomes a comment on society, and the emergence of highly publicized celebrity court cases.