Chicago: The Reliable Razzle Dazzler

Whoopee! Chicago is back after five long years away from Melbourne, and gosh have we missed it! With an established fanbase and decades of performances under its belt (including six Tony Awards), prepare for a tried-and-true rendition of a generation-spanning favourite.

After murdering her lover, Roxie Hart (Lucy Maunder) finds herself in the Cook County Jail of Chicago, where the question of innocence hinges less on the truth and more on how many headlines you make. Along the way she meets murderess Velma Kelly (Zoë Ventoura), also vying for the spotlight as her ticket out of prison. With the help of wily lawyer Billy Flynn (Anthony Warlow), Matron “Mama” Morton (Asabi Goodman) and devoted husband Amos Hart (Peter Rowsthorn), the audience is taken on a wild ride through the 1920s media circus surrounding Roxie’s journey through court.

As the gritty and cheeky “Mama” Morton, Asabi Goodman powerfully attacks crowd favourite “When You’re Good To Mama”. Goodman executes Mama’s hard shell perfectly, until the execution of one of her guilty girls causes cracks to emerge.

Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart is the exact definition of a pleasant surprise. Anyone finding the name familiar is most likely to know him from Kath and Kim. His history as a screen actor and comedian may be a cause for some concern, as any stunt cast is. Instead, Rowsthorn’s rendition of “Mister Cellophane”' proves his skillset and ability as a singer and his caricature of the shy, pushover husband tugs at the heartstrings.

Perhaps the greatest Australian musical theatre talent, there was no doubt that Anthony Warlow would radiantly razzle dazzle as Billy Flynn. “We Both Reached For The Gun” is an accolade to his extensive experience, mimicking ventriloquism and singing for two characters in one go. Warlow is snappy with the dialogue, never dropping the ball and balancing the audience in the palm of his hand from the get-go.

As the self-assured and sassy Velma Kelly, Zoë Ventoura leans into her character’s indignant personality and utilises her sarcastic moments to yield the biggest laughs. With her lips set into an all-knowing smirk throughout the show, she’s the perfect narrator to this twisted tale.

The name on everybody’s lips, Lucy Maunder, is giddy and giggly as Roxie Hart. With a role so open to interpretation, her naive and wide-eyed approach to being splashed across the papers is witty and endearing and helps create a powerful connection with the audience, especially during “Roxie”, where she snatches her moment so tightly her knuckles whiten.

What Chicago does well is highlight its ensemble, who are faultless onstage and stunning in their distinctive costuming. The merry murderesses make “Cell Block Tango” a number that will live in your mind for days afterward, and Roxie’s “boys” are smooth and slick. Two standouts (which is difficult in a cast of this calibre,) are Devon Braithwaite - hilarious as Roxie’s sidepiece Fred Casely - and S Valeri as journalist Mary Sunshine with an impressive vocal range. 

The Bob Fosse-style choreography is the defining feature that makes Chicago so unique, and encapsulates the sleek, subtle and sexy energy of the show. The ensemble follows this to a T, but where Fosse’s precision and intention falters is with our leading ladies. While still an absolute highlight of the show, “Hot Honey Rag” falls a little flat as the big dance number, which also doubles as a finale. All in all - while we hope that the synchronicity will come in time - we admit there is certainly no lack of enthusiasm from Maunder and Ventoura.

With blazing choreography, sizzling costuming, a stacked soundtrack, and an iconic band who take centre stage, Chicago is the ultimate classic musical. With modern alterations, Chicago transcends generational gaps and will suit any theatre-goer. If you’re craving the quintessential theatre experience, this one's for you, and you won’t want to wait too long to book!

Chicago is currently running at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne.

Find out more at their website: Chicago The Musical Australia

This review is based upon the performance of Chicago on the 3rd of April, 2024.

Find more reviews here!