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Chicago opened at the Winter Gardens on Monday night. It’s a story grounded in the seedier side of Illinois a century ago, but it remains as big a hit with theatre audiences as ever.
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It’s always great to be in Blackpool when the big productions come to the Winter Gardens. My guest was a bit disconcerted by the level of fancy dress among those gathered in St Johns on a sweltering evening, though it turned out they were headed elsewhere in the building for the World Matchplay Darts. It’s fair to say both audiences were raucous and wildly entertained.
Chicago is inspired by true events in 1920s America where women accused of heinous crimes were the subjects of sympathetic press reporting to try and secure their release. The original incarnation of Chicago was the work of playwright Maureen Dallas Watkins, a former court reporter who studied women such as suspected murderers Beulah Alan and Belva Gaertner, who inspired the characters Roxy Hart and Velma Kelly.
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A cocktail of musical talent
The catchy songs come thick and fast in Chicago, starting almost immediately with All That Jazz and going on to ‘ear-worms’ including When You’re Good To Mama and Razzle Dazzle familiar to many from the successful films. The musical numbers are executed supremely well in this production, with notable performances from Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and Linda John-Pierre as the indomitable Mama Morton being particularly impressive. Darren Day as Billy Flynn is probably the best known actor in the production, but it’s Scott and Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart who are the undoubted stars of the show. A special mention is deserved though for the comic counterpoint provided by Joshua Lloyd as Amos the self-effacing and long-suffering husband of Roxie.
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Musicians to the front
The big band sound is also excellent. The musicians are in full view at all times elevated above the action. At the start of the second act they are given their own time in the spotlight where they show the same swagger and confidence that continues throughout the whole production. The choreography tips its hat to 1920’s dance culture and includes plenty of legendary Bob Fosse inspired moves, yet still feels still modern and engaging. It’s really difficult to find fault in a great night of musical theatre.
Chicago runs until Saturday 26 July, with daily performances at 7.30pm and matinees on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
Tickets are available from wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
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