All That Jazz

* Since this wasn't published in the place it was written for *

All That Jazz: Chicago in Chicago
By Sylvia Rodemeyer

Fosse’s Chicago is only in town for a limited engagement, but it’s the shot of adrenaline the city needs. Chicago’s namesake play holds a mirror up to the political corruption and status-seeking greed that seems to permeate our government officials as of late, but does it with shimmer, sass and signature songs by Fred Ebb and John Kander.
What has brought shame upon the city in recent headlines brings audiences to their feet when the national tour of Chicago makes it stop at the Oriental Theater of the Ford Center of Performing Arts.
If you’re a Broadway fan, you can probably recite the lyrics of the play from opening orchestral note to jam-packed finale, thus creative interpretation of Bob Fosse’s signature play is often discouraged. The touring company takes few liberties in their retelling, but enough to make it their own.
The big draw for the general public is the addition of veteran television actor John O’Hurley, of Seinfeld fame, in the role of self-serving lawyer Billy Flynn. O’Hurley’s depiction is strong, but doesn’t possess enough of the snake-charmer ways Flynn is known for.
The leads, Terra C. MacLeod as Velma Kelly and Charlotte D’Amboise as Roxie Hart, also don’t hold steadfast to the tried-and-true versions made famous in the long-running Broadway production and the U.S. theatrical release of 2002. MacLeod’s Velma Kelly definitely draws more from Bebe Neuwirth’s characterization of the merry murderess than Catherine Zeta-Jones’, bur also throws in a taste of Marlene Dietrich to the role and D’Amboise’s Roxie may be the frantic, desperate and naïve Roxie of recent note.
A lead cast that intense can’t make it without a strong supporting case, and strength is what Roz Ryan displays in her portrayal of Matron “Mama” Morton. Lindsay Roginski makes Amos Hart sympathetic instead of merely pathetic.
As always, the production is backed by a live orchestra, this time brilliantly displayed on the stage of the Oriental theater, taking on as much of a role as the impressive and often scene-stealing dancers.
For more information on Chicago, visit www. Broadwayinchicago.com

Chicago: The Musical

When: Through March 8

Where: Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St.

Price: $30 to $95