By Joanie Cox-Henry
Regardless of how many times you've seen the 1975 Broadway smash musical Chicago, the opening notes are always an indicator of the thrill ride you're about to embark on. Kailin Brown and Katie Frieden "Razzle Dazzle" as the leads Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart.
"All That Jazz," the scintillating "Cell Block Tango," "When You're Good To Mama," and "Nowadays" are just a few of the songs that exude the essence of this sexy show.
Inspired by a 1926 play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the musical is set in Chicago in the 1920s and tells the story of Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who murders her lover and becomes a celebrity as a result. The musical follows Roxie's journey from murderess to celebrity, and explores themes of fame, ambition, and the American Dream. Chicago has been praised for its music, lyrics, and choreography and won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and has been adapted into a successful film in 2002 starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger.
Chicago The Musical On Tour opened at Kravis Center in West Palm Beach Nov. 7 and runs through Nov. 12. This production of the musical features plenty of powerful vocals and engaging choreography to accompany the timeless tunes of this show. Literally every song stands on its own.
Illeana Kirven is a magical magical Matron Mama Morton and Connor Sullivan is a delightful Billy Flynn. At one point he held a note in the show for what seemed like three minutes and that was extremely impressive. His interpretation of the velvet-tongued attorney who only cares about love is hard to resist. And Robert Quiles was an absolute scene-stealer as the soft-spoken "Mister Cellophone" Amos Hart. Making his national touring debut in what he described as his "dream role" in the playbill, Quiles' performance is worthwhile.
The show is entertaining, funny, and thought-provoking and Chicago is definitely a show that will stay with you long after you leave the theater.
If you haven't seen a show at Kravis Center, I highly recommend this venue. Parking in the garage is complimentary and it's a well-structured place to see a show with every seat in the house offering an ample view of the stage. Visit kravis.org for an upcoming list of shows and events.
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