Review by Roanne Patterson
FORESTBURGH, NY (August 15, 2011) – Razzle dazzle em! Give them a show that’s “splendiferous.” “Chicago” beams brightly at Forestburgh, with the performances, costumes, makeup, props … the belting solos and the marvelous chorus work. It’s all there, and more.
Talk about energy!The choreography is so well done. Danced with flair and liveliness, the ensemble’s cohesiveness gives a rock base to the show. The singing performances, crafted with a mix of razzle-dazzle smooth transitions and comical refinement offer fresh enjoyment for the performers and the audience. This universal tale of fame, fortune and “All That Jazz” (a rousing opening number) has one show-stopping song after another, and dancing that finishes the show off with a pizzazz that can take one’s breath away.
The Kander and Ebb score offers one hit after another. Recommended for mature audiences, this is big fun for grown-ups. Full of Chicago Mafia overtones and references to the fight for women to be in charge of their lives, the show also offers great comic relief: a spoof on women’s liberation centering on the battle of the sexes.
Dan Dunn’s masterful direction of the story has female leads’ Velma Kelly (the strong and sexy Maggie Anderson) and Roxie Hart (Danielle Kelsy in a sex-kitten, turned ferocious female role) pining for their goals of freedom and security as they cross paths in prison.
The protector (and sometimes the betrayer), the delightful Galyana Castillo as the Matron Mama Morton takes sides, as the rewards suit her, for the apparent well being of her targets. Her singing is strong, her character accessible and intimate with the audience.
Then the famous, charming, though dishonest lawyer Billie Flynn played by Dan Fenaughty in a delightfully smooth, albeit caddish rendition of the savior of the jailed ladies. Flynn is a necessary evil to obtain a get-out-of-jail card for the various women he represents, as long as they have money. His suave approach wins over the women as well as the public and, by innuendo, the respective juries.
As in all of this season’s shows, Forestburgh’s chorus is a most adaptable ensemble. While performing complicated combinations on limited floor space, they synthesize the music and lyrics into a unified whole. They transform into multiple characters in a magical breath of remarkable authenticity and speed.
“Chicago” is playing Tuesday, August 16 through Sunday, August 21. Performance times are Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and matinee performances are Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
And don’t forget this week’s after-show cabaret: “The Book of Norman,” a tribute to Forestburgh’s 20-season producer Norman Duttweiler, and containing Norman’s favorite songs, running August 16 through August 20.
If you love (or would like an introduction) to solid Broadway fare, get yourself to the Forestburgh Playhouse pronto. Call the Forestburgh box office at 845-794-1194 or visit Forestburgh Playhouse box office to purchase tickets for the hit musical “Chicago.”
GREAT SHOW….THEY ARE SO FUNNY….NOT GUILTY 🙂