Date: Fri 20-Feb-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

Chicago-Shubert-Fosse-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Chicago" @The Shubert)

Theatre Review: Shubert's Visiting `Chicago' Revival As Good As The Original

(with cut)

By June April

NEW HAVEN - When it's as good as the first time, you know you've got a winner.

The Shubert has brought a revival of Bob Fosse's Chicago back to the New Haven

stage, complete with all the music - "All that Jazz," "When You're Good To

Mama," "Me and My Baby," and "Mr Cellophane" - and all that dancing. Chicago

is hot, it's funny and it also has something to say that is worth considering.

Having seen the show on Broadway, this reviewer felt the current company does

a remarkable job. Of course, Joel Gray as Amos Hart is the paradigm

characterization. His slight, woebegone figure personifies the pathetic

husband.

The two female leads - Stephanie Pope as the calculating and sexy Velma, and

Karen Ziemba as the opportunistic Roxie Hart - set the tone for this wildly

fast-moving and foot-stomping production.

The pompous, self-aggrandizing attorney Billy Flynn is perfectly played by

Brent Barrett. This handsome man looks like a young Ed Burns (remember "77

Sunset Strip"?). His timing puts any lawyer to shame.

Looking like a blonde caricature of Liza Minelli, D.C. Levine does an

unforgettable Mary Sunshine.

The beguiling voice of Avery Sommers, as Matron "Mama" Morton, was especially

wonderful in the song "Now-a-days," which she sings with Velma. With humor and

satire, the lyrics comment of societal mores.

Conducted by Jack Gaughan, the orchestra did a superb job. This is a musical

one wants to listen to over and over in large measure because the music,

written by John Kander, is so outstanding. Fred Ebb's lyrics heighten the

meaning of the melody. It's no wonder their partnership has created some of

the finest moments in musical theatre, among them Zorba, Kiss of the Spider

Woman, Cabaret and Liza with a Z .

Originally created, directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse,

it's hard to believe the production could not make it the first time round.

This revival, choreographed by Ann Reinking in the style of Fosse, is one of

the best attended on Broadway.

The set focuses on the orchestra. Designed by John Lee Beatty, it is the same

as in the Broadway production. It's simple, with chairs and ladders offering

the movable props.

Chicago is one of those musicals that's more fun to see with a friend, because

one wants to keep talking about it even after the music has stopped.

Chicago continues through March 1. Try not to miss this one; it will take you

happily out of the winter doldrums.

(Tickets may be reserved through the Shubert box office; call 562-5666.

Tickets may also be reserved through Advantix, at 800/228-6622. The Shubert is

on College Street, in downtown New Haven.)