“Chicago” celebrates 25 Years of Razzle Dazzle at the Fox Theatre
“Chicago” was one of those classic Broadway musicals that I was embarrassed to admit, I knew nothing about despite my great love for the theatre. My knowledge of this show began and ended within the first twenty minutes of the show with “All that Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango.”
Everyone in the audience dressed in black, sparkles, mesh and a feather or two. And on stage, a simple black chair and a black bowler hat. The Fox Theatre was about to be transported back to the roaring 20s, and it was an absolute vaudeville treat.
“Chicago” told the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and dancer who murdered her on-the-side lover when he threatened to leave her. In an effort to avoid conviction, she hired Chicago’s best criminal lawyer to turn her crime into something sensational – shocking headlines to make herself famous. All while competing with her cellmate, Velma Kelly, with the similar sinister goal. It’s a story of fame, lust and all that jazz.
It’s no surprise why “Chicago” has become such a hit. This musical won six Tony Awards, two Oliver Awards, and a Grammy. Along with countless standing ovations and endless praise. Its well loved, well quoted and even received a movie adaptation in 2002. “Chicago” was also among the longest running American musical in Broadway history, next to “Phantom of the Opera” and has no evidence of slowing down. But what was it about these two merry murderesses that made this show such a hit?
It Started with the Creators
This show’s success began at stage door. Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse united to write the legendary book, the script, after the creators were fascinated by a real life story that closely mimics the story audiences see on stage. Ebb then went on to work with John Kander on music and lyrics, while Fosse took to choreography.
Fosse was a Broadway visionary with his unique, intense and entertaining choreography. In 1973, he was the only person to receive a Tony, Oscar and Emmy all in one year. Throughout his career he won a total of eight Tony’s just for his choreography. His distinctive style is all about details, with the entire cast moving as one with precise movements to the jazzy music. There’s something incredibly sultry about these subtle shoulder movements and snaps, making it the perfect compliment to the “Chicago” world. Even better, Fosse brought the famous jazz hands to the main stage of theatre.
Triple Threat
The two lead actresses in this production, Logan Floyd as Velma and Katie Frieden as Roxie, were the embodiment of the triple threat. The phrase “triple threat” has been thrown around in the theatre world, from Broadway to local theatre companies. Actors must be able to sing, act and dance. But the two leading ladies in “Chicago” took this requirement to an entirely new level.
When Velma stepped on stage to open the show with “All That Jazz,” audiences got to hear her star power voice. But, they also got to see her incredible dance talent, which was only a taste of what’s to come later in the show. And when Roxie sang “Funny Honey,” it was really only a tease for the incredible vocal power and physicality of her numbers following.
Their voices were captivating. But when they sounded just as excellent while doing an extensive cardio-rich dance number – its all the more impressive. Add in the comedic elements of the show that showed off their acting chops, and these ladies were the definition of a triple threat.
“Chicago” was a return to what makes live theatre shine. The story was comedic, complex and truly fun to get lost in. It’s got all the glitz and glamor of 20s vaudeville, contrasted with murder, scandal and female rage. Plus, just a little bit of razzle dazzle.
