Chicago, Pizzaz, and ‘All That Jazz’
It’s a play like no other. After all, it’s the longest Broadway show ever (it will stage its 7,486th performance in November). Here’s what to expect: Little costumes and small movements, but powerful voices, pure talent, and live music orchestra. It’s Chicago on stage, baby.
Brace yourself for a hot, hot, hot year-end treat as Broadway’s award-winning, smash musical hits the country in a strictly limited season from Dec. 2 to 21 at Solaire’s newest luxury theatrical spot, The Theater. It’s slick, sexy, and sassy. Rawr.
Choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of world-renowned multi-slashie choreographer/actor/screenwriter/director Bob Fosse, who directed All That Jazz andCabaret among others, lead actresses Terra Macleod and Bianca Marroquin say, when on stage, less is more, a philosophy passed from Bob Fosse himself.
“You got to have timing to add Matisse to your painting, which is what you’re doing, you’re performing every night with a black canvas and you start painting. Or like a singer where you sing and you start breathy and put the vibrato and the belt after. You cannot sing the whole song in belt. People will get tired listening to you. As you approach the performance, you have to know where to bring it all down,” says Bianca, who plays Roxie Hart.
Set amid the razzle-dazzle decadence of the flapper 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer, who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media, and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly (played by Terra Macleod), by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her crime into a torrent of sensational headlines. “It’s a dark humor with a global theme. The story is very relatable. It’s full of social satire, love, intrigue, betrayal, friendship,” says Terra.
Think it’s too dark for your liking? It is highly acclaimed! International newspapers like the Times UK dubs it as “the sharpest, slickest show on the block.” Newsweek says it’s “ravishing,” and Entertainment Weekly raves it’s “Broadway’s most electrifying show.” Chicago has also been honored with six Tony Awards, including best musical revival, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy for best musical cast recording, and thousands of standing ovations in between.
You may have watched its 2002 film adaptation, which starred Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, but then again, a film is way different from a live play.
“We loved the movie but you cannot compare it because the energy of the theater is more palpable, it’s live. A movie is a movie,” says Bianca. Adds Terra:“People have an idea in their mind of what to expect when they come to see the live version, as most have seen the movie. So they already have a vision in their head. When they see the simplicity in the Broadway production, I think it takes them a minute to take it all in. That the dancing, singing, lighting, and very minimal set tell that story is enough.”
Based on a 1926 Broadway play written by Chicago Tribune journalist Maurine Watkins, who covered the sensational trials of two women accused of murder while under the influence of booze and jazz, Chicago the musical was created by the legendary Broadway trio: John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (book and lyrics), and Bob Fosse (original director and choreographer) in 1975, but Bianca thought it was “ahead of its time.” It became more glorious when it was revived in 1996. Now it’s going to be 18 years in history.
There’s one requirement though: Participate. “The more we hear you the better. So be more vocal and participate with us. It’s a fun show ride with us. If you allow yourself it’s gonna be a good ride. We touch all the emotions there are,” says Bianca.
Chicago is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, and Concertus Manila and presented by VISA and Smart Infinity, in cooperation with Solaire Resort and Casino. 02 891 9999, www.ticketworld.com.ph
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