an alternative review to the show we saw last week (from the local free paper)

the sleazy, dark underbelly of the prohibition era in 1926, chicago was evident from the opening number al that jazz.

from the edgy set, dim lighting, jazz music and a magnificent slinky company led by a bawdy and fabulous velma kelly (kerry o’sullivan) and glamorous, cutie roxie hart (carrie green), chicago hit the stage with a blast.

these two broads have been slammed up in cook county jail for murder and their story screamed violence, corruption, sex and greed – oh and not forgetting their innocence.

the score is mostly hard-hitting and uncompromising. there were no gentle little songs of love and woe here.

only one song stood out from the push and heist of the rest.

mr cellophane, sung by amos hart (garrod orsborn), roxie’s husband, was a poignant song staged with a woebegone amos shuffling in clown clodhopper shoes beside a solitary dancer swaying softly beside him.

orsborn’s rendition of this lovely song had exactly the right measure of pathos and melancholy.

the musical numbers came thick and fast in this show with memorable showstoppers throughout including cell block tango, we both reached for the gun, and when you’re good to mama.

as mama morton, the prison matron, jessie matthews was a tour de force. her mama was big, brassy and glorious – that’s some voice this mama’s got, huge, and warm.

mark glastonbury as billy flynn the unscrupulous lawyer, smooth-talking, snazzily dressed, defense counsel was great. he never missed a beat or a new angle.

the large chorus had worked hard and their support of their lead performers was tight and slick. they were an animated and energetic ensemble ably supported by a small team of dancers.

o’sullivan’s velma was an uncompromising gutsy performance which combined just the right amount of wisdo and kick-arse broad.

as roxie, green had all the star quality required for this sharp, shrewd little dame. all platinum blonde hair, wide-eyed and questioning little moue-mouth, green played her to the hilt in a superb performance.

director-producer kate spencer has mounted a show with that not only packs a solid punch, it delivers with every cue and every note.

with a dazzling array of costumes, innovative set design and a zappy live band on stage chicago did it all with verve and jazz.