“Chicago” Theatre Review
"CHICAGO" CAST RAZZLE DAZZLES ONSTAGE AT FOREST ROBERTS THEATRE NOVEMBER 19TH - 22ND!
By Denise Clark
The Forest Roberts Theatre brings the well known, and much loved musical “Chicago,” to their main stage this week. If by chance you agree with Defense Attorney Billy Flynn’s assertion that “murder is a form of entertainment,” then you will not want to miss this fairly extravagant production. Direction is by Ansley Valentine with assistance from Martyn Martello. This duo delivers the famous musical with gusto and flair to Marquette.
This musical focuses on two women who are in the Chicago’s Cook County Jail. Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart are awaiting trials for murdering the men in their lives they believe did them wrong. Both women are interested in not only their self-preservation, but also their notoriety as famous murderesses. As Velma Kelly, Liza Hunter brings her beauty, charm and strong singing voice to the stage and gives an outstanding performance as a formerly famous con who must continuously rethink her comeback. As the newcomer to the joint, Erin Resteiner is simply wonderful as Roxie Hart. She delivers both strong vocal and acting skills that assist her well in delivering a character that in lesser hands would not have been nearly be as likable. As their defense lawyer, Anthony Pruett turns in a crisp and snappy performance as Billy Flynn. Pruett’s smooth delivery and excellent singing voice are well suited for this role. (Yes, “well suited” was a pun).
Alexandra Marks playing the jail’s Matron, Mama Morton, is “good” to the audience (you’ll understand if you attend). Marks’ has a excellent singing voice and is quick with a joke, all while smoking a mean cigar. Christopher Leith is simply outstanding as Roxie’s much-abused husband and really knows his way around acting a song. His rendition of “Mr. Cellophane” is now my favorite, which is really a compliment considering the last person I saw perform this was Joel Grey (on Broadway). Trenton Patterson is quite fun as reporter Mary Sunshine, particularly when hitting some impressive high notes.
Much credit for this shows success is the outstanding ensemble that dances from scene to scene playing and singing many parts. They move well together and sing well together. As an audience member I had to remind myself to keep looking around the stage at the whole picture, as there were so many simultaneous and amazing performances. To say this group has it going on would be an understatement.
Of special note, the choreography of Chicago is simply amazing. Hats off to Jill Grundstrom for choreographing the dancers through many hours of rehearsal. The result was dazzling to watch. This is a dance show. Dance shows are hard to do in a department without a strong dance program. But, thanks to the brilliance of Grundstrom, the stage is filled with exciting, clever and well-executed movement. Kudos also goes to Jacob DeLong for his additional choreography. They made a great team. As music director, David Dagenais did a phenomenal job coaching the singers and ensuring that the audience understood all of the lyrics. This show is very well sung under Dagenais’ tutelage. Costume design by Shelly Russell is sparkly and fun, while the set and lights, designed by Victor G Holliday are sparse and controlled, which for this show was the perfect combination.
“Chicago” will only be here a short time, November 19-22 with curtain at 7:30. Do not miss an opportunity to enjoy a flash of brilliance right here on the campus of Northern Michigan University.
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