Chicago – Review – Bradford Alhambra Theatre
By Christine Goode, October 2024
The ultimate legend of musical theatre is currently on tour, and Chicago is playing at the Bradford Alhambra this week. I defy any musical theatre fan not to have heard, or even know, some of the catchy hit songs from this renowned show. Testament to this, the theatre is packed with an enthusiastic audience, all ready and waiting to watch this iconic production.
So, what is it all about? Set in the 1920s, gangsters ran Chicago during the glamorous Jazz Age. Prohibition was at an all-time high, and the newspapers had a powerful desire to blow up stories, turning convicted criminals into celebrities. The story follows two women, sent to prison for the murders of their lovers. They end up on ‘murderesses’ row’ along with other women who had committed similar crimes.
A lone bistro-style chair with a bowler hat resting on the back sets the scene. As the overture begins, the audience erupts with delight, and the lights change to reveal the orchestra centre stage, where they remain throughout the show. It is a refreshing change to see these excellent musicians, who also take part and interact with the cast. Notably, during the second overture in Act Two, they cheekily stand up while playing their instruments and start dancing to Mr Cellophane, a jazzy number that has everyone clapping along.
“Looks incredible”
‘All That Jazz’ is the first number, and the only thing I can say is WOW! Seductive, sexy, and pure class. The cast are scantily clad throughout the show, with black fishnets, leather, sequins, and lace in abundance, showing off their finely tuned bodies. From shoulder shimmies and hip thrusts to super high kicks, their dance technique is superb and perfectly emulates the Fosse style.
The casting is fantastic. Velma Kelly (Djalenga Scott) is a force to be reckoned with. Scott oozes class; her vocals are outstanding, and her stage presence is spine-tingling. Roxie Hart (Faye Brookes) brings comedy to the part, especially during ‘We Both Reached for the Gun’, with boundless energy—she is the ultimate triple threat. Billy Flynn (Kevin Clifton) is suave and stylish, surprising us with his equally great vocals (secretly hidden from fans of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing). Mamma Morton (Sinitta Malone), famed for her 1980s chart hit ‘So Macho’, still packs a punch, belting out the favourite ‘When You’re Good to Mama’. She looks incredible—surely the sexiest prison matron ever!
The overall stage setting is simple but classy—black with a touch of gold and sparkle. The lighting is sultry and sets the mood. Some shows often have all the bells and whistles; however, this is minimal, with maximum effect. The music, dance, and story are enough.
“Stunning”
The choreography is stunning. Originally set by Bob Fosse in 1975 and later in 1996 by Ann Reinking for the original New York production, Gary Chryst has recreated the iconic dance style the show is famed for.
This show packs a punch. It’s full of Razzle Dazzle and is by far the best cast I have seen in any previous production. It has the audience clapping and cheering loudly after every number. With a run time of two and a half hours that simply flies by, it leaves you wanting more.
‘Chicago’ is at Bradford Alhambra until 26th October
images are from the 2021 tour
