Arts & Life

Despite some weak performances, “Chicago” is bloody entertaining

 

Sex and murder take the stage in “Chicago” at The Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles this month.

The six-time Tony Award-winning musical revolves around Roxie Hart (Christie Brinkley), an aspiring performer, who is jailed after murdering her on-the-side lover. Desperate to avoid conviction, she attempts to fool the public and media with the help of Billy Flynn (John O’Hurley), Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer.

“Murder is like divorce,” Matron Mama Morton (Carol Woods) advises Roxie. “It’s not about the reason, it’s about the grounds.”

Roxie begins making up lavish stories about the reason for the crime and also tells a false history of her own life, all the while taking advantage of her husband, Amos’ (Ron Orbach), unconditional love. Once Roxie begins making headlines, her rival cellmate and a has-been celebrity, Velma Kelly (Amra-Faye Wright), becomes jealous and attempts to revive her own fame as she sees through Roxie’s lies.

The show thrives off its musical numbers. Popular numbers such as “The Cellblock Tango” and “All That Jazz” keep the audience engaged in the Prohibition-era production. The costumes, which include mostly flashy garments and lingerie, also stay true to the time period.

While the overall show is entertaining, Brinkley’s performance as Roxie, unfortunately, falls flat. The successful supermodel’s acting is not believable, nor does she have good breath control. Her acting appears forced at times, which makes one question if she was casted simply because of her popularity.

The most talented member of the cast is O’Hurley, who is most popular for his role on “Seinfeld” and as a host of Family Feud. As soon as he is introduced during “All I Care About,” he is captivating as he possesses all the acting, singing and dancing talents necessary to the role. His humor is spot-on, especially in the ventriloquist act, “We Both Reached for the Gun.”

A noteworthy mention also goes to Orbach for his rendition of Amos, a man who will do absolutely anything for his wife, regardless of how terribly she might treat him. He easily gains the audience’s affection as a man with very little self-confidence. It is easy to sympathize with him, especially during “Mr. Cellophane,” where he sings about how unimportant he thinks he is.

The stage throughout the show is simplistic with very little props. However, the cast makes this work by engaging the audience in the story, and with the help of various cast members narrating the story at times. The stage is also graced by the brass band, who plays the music throughout the play. They never leave the stage, and are often included in the production, as the cast breaks the fourth wall to talk to them and the crowd directly.

Overall, there’s a reason why “Chicago” is such a popular musical, and that’s because of how entertaining and comical it is. Unfortunately, this particular production’s main star isn’t anything special,but the cast makes up for it by having some exceptionally talented supporters.

“Chicago” will run at The Pantages Theatre through May 27. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices start at $25. For more information, visit BroadwayLA.org.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

Daily 49er newsletter

Instagram