Chicago

Postcard review by Caroline Russell-King

Show – Chicago

Playwright/s/Composer/s – Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.

Production Company/Theatre space – (Student show directed by professionals) StoryBook Theatre at The Beddington Arts Centre

Length – 2 ACT, 120 minutes (one 15-minute intermission)

Genre/s – Musical

Premise – When a femme fatale shoots her lover, she has to fight for her freedom and even her life by playing the system, lying, cheating and using her sexuality to get out of jail.

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Why this play? Why now? – The show has name recognition and is an iconic musical, perfect for young performers to familiarize themselves with a great work from the canon of musical theatre.

Curiosities – I try to go into every show in a neutral headspace, but I must admit to some trepidation at seeing a “teen version” of Chicago but I was surprised how well it worked sans smoldering sex. When will Calgarians realize that this is some of the best theatre being done in Calgary?

Notable Moment – There are many great numbers in this musical – I favored the classic All that Jazz but We Both Reached for the Gun was a close second.

Notable writing – The musical premiered in 1975 in New York and went on to Broadway, the West End and international tours. The show won both a Tony and an Olivier for outstanding musical productions. (The film adaptation also won the 2002 Academy Award for Best Picture.)

Notable performances – There are 2 casts of 20 from this graduating class of 40. I only saw one of the shows, but it was spectacular. I never fail to be impressed by the work being done by youth when they have the support of great leadership, designers and directors.

Notable design/Production – Allowing for budget and scale it is no exaggeration to say that the lighting and set design rival those I have seen in Broadway Across Canada shows. Lighting Designer Ben Childs, Sound Designer Ross Wilson and Co-wardrobe designers Darcie Howe and Nico Finstad and producer/set designer JP Thibodeau should take a curtain call.

Notable direction – Director Joel Schafer, Musical Director, Ehan Vasquez Taylor and Choreography by Madison Arnason have worked magic with these kids.

One reason to see this show – Prepare to be Razzed and Dazzled.

Caroline Russell-King is a member of the International Association of Theatre Critics