Curtain goes up on Chicago - sensational, splendid show

Musical Theatre Gisborne’s production of Chicago opened at the War Memorial Theatre last night. Pictured, in all their glittery, shimmery glory are the cast. Review page 2 Picture by Kieran Nicoll

All that glitters is not gold but in Musical Theatre Gisborne’s show Chicago, the glittery stuff can still be beautiful.

The show, which opened last night at the War Memorial Theatre, was a spectacle to behold, no less when the dancing and singing ensemble, in 20s-style fringed dresses, performed the musical’s most wellknown song, All That Jazz.

This is also when we are introduced to singing and dancing celebrity Velma Kelly, confidently played by Emily Gillies, and femme fatale Roxie Hart by Zoe Wilson who is seen murdering her lover Fred Casely  (Paul Hawaikirangi) in the background.

The musical is set in Chicago during the roaring “jazz hot” 20s and tells the story of two incarcerated “merry murderesses” who stop at nothing to attain and maintain their controversial “celebrity status.”

Both Wilson and Gillies do a brilliant job with their dynamic vocal cords which are mezzo-soprano and alto respectively. Their voices are ably supported by the mesmerising prison matron Mama Morton, played by  Lerina Julies, who becomes the initial lifeline for the girls.

Mama is known to have exclusive contacts with people in the entertainment industry. These include the fame-loving journalist Mary Sunshine (Rachel Crawford)  and the flamboyant sleazy defence lawyer Billy Flynn played by Alex Raines, who slips into his role effortlessly.

Flynn is happy to charge an exorbitant fee to twist and manipulate  the case he mounts for Roxie, in order to win.

A cleverly choreagraphed sequence illustrating his powers of persuasion, and involving the cabaret ensemble including Roxie, owes much to a high-tech fly system operated by stage manager Tim McAneney and director  Dean McKerras. who also choreographed the dance sequences for the play.

McKerras, who directed the hit show Mamma Mia! for MTG in 2019 has done  splendid work again. The fluid dancing styles range from cabaret to tap dancing.

One of the biggest takeaways of the night, however, was in the hands of musical director Sean Scanlen. His band of talented musicians was the heart and soul of this sensational show.

A particular highlight was the melancholic Mr Cellophane, sung by Peter Grealish as Amos Hart (Roxie’s husband). He sings about his non-existent presence in society and among his so-called close family. The piece cleverly navigates emotions of pleasantness, sincerity, and innocence.

Amanda Maclean, remembered for her role as the MC in Cabaret some years ago, plays the MC here, with her usual flair and style.

The set design is minimalistic but the same cannot be said for the costumes which are outstanding.

Kyle Chism (18) and Owen Raines (13) did well as street smart boys who have seen the rise and fall of wannabe stars.