The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Breaking News

Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

First Look - Reviews
Home›featured-blogs›First Look - Reviews›First Look review: “Chicago the Musical” hits all the right notes, brims with sex appeal

First Look review: “Chicago the Musical” hits all the right notes, brims with sex appeal

By TheRealChicagoOnline
May 12, 2016
1739
0
Share:

Chicago the Musical

By Emily Clement

Playing at: The Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, on a limited run through May 15. www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Basic storyline: In the glamorous, crime-ridden world of 1920s Chicago, notoriety and fame are all that matter. Vaudeville dancers Velma Kelly (Terra C. MacLeod) and Roxie Hart (Dylis Croman) are serving time for murder, but they are counting on suave and slippery defense lawyer Billy Flynn (John O’Hurley) to get them free and back on the stage.

What stood out: It’s easy to understand why Chicago won six Tony Awards and has been on Broadway for 20 years, serving as the longest running American musical. The show is pure garish fun from start to finish; before each big musical number, the theatre is electric. “Cell Block Tango” and “We Both Reached for the Gun” are standouts, but that’s not to say that the show’s vitality ever Chicago_IMG_9345lulls. That’s because Chicago is written as a show that plays to an audience with a wink and a nod. The crowd is a part of the show, especially when Matron “Mama” Morton (Roz Ryan) comes out for her big song, “When You’re Good To Mama.”

Chicago’s big star, John O’Hurley of Seinfeld fame, brings sophistication to his role, and “Razzle Dazzle” is certainly one of the most scintillating performances of the night. MacLeod is sharp and witty as Velma, and Croman plays Roxie to adorable, bubbly perfection. Of course, it wouldn’t be Chicago without the big brass band. The band is onstage for the duration of the show, and they are sharp. They both elevate each song and carry the show through scene changes.

Final thoughts: For fans of Chicago, this production hits all the right notes. For the uninitiated, what a perfect introduction. The costumes sparkle, the dancing is bold and the show brims with sex appeal. Chicago is known for its outrageous songs and dancing, and this show delivers. Forgive the cliché, but Chicago’s still got all that jazz.

TagsBroadwayBroadway in ChicagoCadillac Palace TheatreChicago the MusicalJohn O'HurleySeinfeldThe Real ChicagoTony Award
Previous Article

Chicago Insider: Tony Brown on cocktails at ...

Next Article

Girls night out: Drinks, laughs and online ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • Signature Dishes

    Chicago’s Signature Dishes: Banana French toast and rigatoni alla carbonara at Andersonville’s Bar Roma

    June 29, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Cozy on up: We asked active Chicagoans for their favorite spots to warm up in the city this winter

    January 29, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Vintage movement: A bevy of unique, quality thrift stores dominate the landscape in Wicker Park

    April 2, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Ravenswood on Tap craft beer festival, Avion tequila dinner, Kanela opens in Ukranian Village and more

    June 20, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Amusing and educational, The Windy City Music Theatre’s “Seussical the Musical” will have your little ones singing ...

    October 14, 2016
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • The Big City Blog

    The Big City Blog: Experiencing the new American Writers Museum in downtown Chicago

    June 22, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    The best of Broadway: Plenty of diverse food options call this lively street home

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    It’s cold out there: A few spots to warm up this winter

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Bobby’s Bike Hike: Check out a healthy, fun and informative way to explore the city

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login