"Chicago" review by BBOR0BB

Been Away Too Long
Rating: 5

Chicago, The Musical
City Theatre of Independence

I saw this show and then was out of town for a couple of weeks...and I am so sorry because I would have gotten this review in sooner! I know it's kinda silly to write something after the fact, but I enjoyed the show enough that I think all those involved should at least get some well-deserved feedback. I have to say that I'm not sure what performance another reviewer on her saw, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I thought the music was great - not perfect, but then again, this was a live show, not a soundtrack CD. I wondered how City Theater was gonna get a lot of people on that stage along with the musicians, but it seemed to work out well. The staging and choreography was really helpful in making it work.

The set was nice, what little there was, but this show doesn't really call for much in the way of a set. The lights took care of that - lighting up the right areas of the stage at the right time, and it kept the show moving. The day I saw it, there were a lot of people in the audience and the set changes were for the most part really almost not noticeable. Overall visually the show just looked good - costumes all suited the characters, and I liked the fact that it wasn't done ALL in black like it's usually done nowadays. I've seen the show on stage and I've seen the movie and there were pieces from both here.

The performers were all very strong - what a one-two punch with Marcie Ramirez and Jennifer Coville as Roxie and Velma! Those girls can sing, dance and act - and more importantly, they were able to act through their singing and movements. Steve Howard as the announcer had a very good voice suited to the part (and he was fun to watch as Fred Casely, too!) Curt Knupp was a smooth-talking Billy Flynn. Michael Brown was perfectly cast as Amos (the program said this was his first show?) Liz Holmes was a dynamic Mama Morton - I'd like to see more of her! I was very surprised (in a good way) to see that there was actually a (very) capable male playing the Mary Sunshine role! The ensemble was utilized very well, I thought, there were several moments they were able to make their own.

All in all, a very well done show, and one that's not easy to do. I hope City Theater can continue doing shows that are not done very often in Kansas City community theater!

read the review at kcstage.com