Watch out for Chicago

I had been told that as far as production and performances go, nothing beats the original 1975 production of the musical Chicago that starred stage legends Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach. It was about themes not usually seen on Broadway like murder and adultery and corruption and other unsavory things. The leading lady was a two-timing murderess from the get-go. And it had a score and choreography that went along with the subject.  It was seedy and sleazy but also slick and sexy and innovative.

The 1996 revival also proved to be a winner. By that time, being seedy and sleazy on Broadway was no big deal anymore. But Chicago set in Prohibition Era Chicago, Illinois was a pioneer of the genre and with Ann Reinking as Roxie and Bebe Neuwirth as Velma dancing the Bob Fosse choreography and singing the jazzy John Kander and Fred Ebb score, Chicago ended up with several Tony trophies including Best Musical Revival and a Grammy for Best Soundtrack Recording. As a result, there was in the ensuing years several touring productions, several language translations and a long Broadway and West End run.

Chicago is based on high-profile crimes committed by women in Chicago in the late 1920s. It tells the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife with showbiz aspirations who killed her lover and tried to pin the murder on her hapless husband. To get off the charge, she hires the famous and unscrupulous lawyer Billy Flynn who is known for winning his cases through the “old razzle dazzle.” Thanks to him, Roxie does win, she dupes the media, the public, the judge, even cellmate Velma Kelly, whom she later joins in a vaudeville act where they extol the forgiving nature of America. Just think they not only get away with murder, they also become stars.

Three great men banded together to create Chicago the musical — the composer Kander, writer/lyricist Ebb and the dancer/writer/director/choreographer Fosse. Broadway lore says that the three were basking in their success with the musical Cabaret when Verdon, who was then married to Fosse, brought up the idea of doing a musical about Roxie Hart. Kander and Ebb, who by the way also did the show Kiss Of The Spider Woman and one of my favorite songs, My Coloring Book, turned in a witty, fluid, masterful take on American vaudeville music of the ’20s. I believe that while Cabaret may be more popular, Chicago is the better-realized musical.

I do not know if I can say that in the case of Fosse. Chicago is just one of his great works. The man made masterpieces for a living in his lifetime with shows like Sweet Charity, Pippin, Cabaret. He also made films, Sweet Charity, Cabaret, Lenny and the semi-autobiographical All That Jazz. He won Tonys and Oscars. His life inspired the award-winning show Fosse. Why, even the Fosse-style of dancing with its rolled shoulders and turned-in knees remains a standard against which jazz dancing is measured.  There were shades of Fosse in Michael Jackson and in today’s hip-hop steps. Fosse is truly a legend.

Watching Chicago will put us in close proximity with the work of a genius. Do not worry if you do not care about Fosse’s motives, you will still be greatly entertained by the sexy dancing, the sing-able songs and the humor, which is literally everywhere. Can you think of a more eye-popping opener than All That Jazz or a more decadent line-up than Cell Block Tango, anything more pathetic than Mr. Cellophane? All these and their ilk are in Chicago.

The revival of Chicago has proven to be so successful that it is still on stage and touring up to now. In fact, it will celebrate its 7,486th performance on Nov. 23. This will make Chicago the No. 1 longest-running American musical on Broadway. It is also the longest-running Broadway musical to play in London’s West End. It must be really good to be able to hold fort this long. And that is without the very lucrative kiddie market that is keeping theater afloat these days. Remember Chicago is a sizzler.

If I am not mistaken, the revival is the version that will razzle dazzle Manila within a few weeks. Chicago is coming to town. The musical will open at The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino on Dec. 3. The strictly-limited run will last only up to Dec. 21. Not much time to do some theater-going particularly during the Christimas season, but do make the effort because Chicago is truly dazzling. Besides, it would be interesting to see what The Theatre at Solaire looks like.

Chicago in Manila is presented by Viva and Smart Infinity, in cooperation with Solaire Resort and Casino. This is located at Solaire 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque City. Tickets are priced at Premium Gold P7,500; Orchestra VIP P7,000; Orchestra A Reserve P5,500; Orchestra B Reserve P4,250; Balcony C Reserve P2,250; and Balcony D P1,750. Call Ticketworld booking line 891-9999 for tickets. Chicago is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises and Concertus Manila.