Jazz, adultery and murder filled the stage at The Regent Theatre, in Hanley, this week as evergreen musical Chicago stopped off once more in Stoke-on-Trent to deliver a dose of sleek, seductive musical misanthropy.
Packed with musical big hitters, the show brims with entertainment from start to finish, including numbers such as Mr Cellophane, All That Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, and Cell Block Tango.
While it’s common to see a big name player joining the show, the magic of Chicago is all about the cast at large. Delivered through unbelievably sleek dancing, timed to perfection, the show is a true spectacle and showcases the best of musical theatre.
The story recounts the tale of Roxie Hart, played by Faye Brookes, facing trial for the murder of her lover Fred Casely, played by Josh Crowther, who finds herself locked up with a list of women accused of crimes of passion.
Set against the high profile accused vaudeville star Velma Kelly, played by Djalenga Scott, Hart is desperate to keep her name in the papers and the persuasive Billy Flynn, played by Kevin Clifton, as her lawyer.
Faye Brookes is excellent as Roxie, with a maniacal side being brought out as the protagonist struggles to see the error of her ways beyond her quest for fame. This is one of a number of excellent performances that deliver the storyline and add character to the performance.
Djalenga Scott, as Velma Kelly, delivers a commanding performance, with incredible comic timing, masterful dancing and an excellent singing voice, while using charisma to create an unforgettable portrayal of the character.
Likewise, Kevin Clifton excels as smooth lawyer Billy Flynn. Known as a dancer from his time on Strictly Come Dancing, Clifton is fantastic in the role from both an acting and singing point of view, stepping into the famous shoes of the smooth talking lawyer remarkably easily.
Joshua Lloyd as Roxie’s downtrodden husband Amos also puts in a powerful performance, eliciting the audience’s sympathy that no other character would be deserving off.
For people of a certain age the most famous person on the stage would’ve certainly been Sinitta (Malone), who put in a great performance as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. Unsurprisingly her singing is a joy to listen, while her character conveys the warmth and authority Mama is known for in looking after the inmates, albeit at a cost.
In this touring version of Chicago the band is absolutely central, with the show’s jazz music providing the backdrop as the orchestra sits on a tiered platform in centre stage.
The fact that Chicago continues to go strong almost 50 years years after it first hit the stage is a testament to the strength of the musical numbers, incredible storyline, powerful characters, and the enduring allure of prohibition era Chicago.
Set against a backdrop of illicit affairs, murderous intention, and, of course, a lot of jazz, Chicago continues to pack a powerful punch decades after it first appeared on stage.
No matter how many times you’ve seen this before it will always entertain. Chicago is the Regent Theatre, until Saturday, November 30. Tickets are available online.
CNM
