CHICAGO till November 28 - but see details below

CHICAGO: Fred Ebb Lyrics), John Kander (Music), Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse (Book).
Runs: 2h 30m, one interval.
Review: Alexander Ray, Birmingham Hippodrome, 3 June 2009.
(Tkts - Birmingham Hippodrome - www.birminghamhippodrome.com)
Touring till November 28 - but check www.chicagotour.co.uk additional dates promised.

Great fun - and you’ll sit there thinking: ‘I wish I could do that!’

CHICAGO is a bit like a well oiled machine; get it going and it whizzes along to the end.

This is not to downplay the considerable success of this production; after all, the secret for success is all in the oiling - please! I speak metaphorically. It’s demanding - a large number of talented dancer-singers. And there’s no end of talent on show. So this unremittingly feel-good entertainment achieves its aim - a show that makes you feel happy.

Emma Barton is a super Roxie, the singer who finds fame through the murder of her lover. She communicates a chirpy naivete that manages never to grate. She’s well partnered, too, by Twinnie-Lee Moore’s Velma who manages some impressive high kicks over a chair.

Jimmy Osmond is a roguish charmer specially when surrounded by ostrich feather fans. A first-half high-spot is WE BOTH REACHED FOR THE GUN excellently staged and performed. Adam Stafford’s Amos is also 100 per cent engaging - and MISTER CELLOPHANE is gorgeous (but then it’s a favourite of mine.)

In some ways CHICAGO could be called SEXY DANCING and this ensemble is certainly sexy. This is a fine raunchy team with plenty of bum wriggling and hip thrusting, all reaching a fitting and exciting climax in ME AND MY BABY. This must all be very exhausting for the performers and I hope they get a good night’s sleep after a nice cup of cocoa.

Give yourself a treat then . . .

(Cast details to follow shortly.)

2009-06-03 14:49:00