Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr as Flynn is phenomenal
It’s been at least a decade (possibly more) since I saw Chicago on stage in London.
Whilst I admit I couldn’t quite remember the story line as soon as a the Big Band started playing I remembered the music and “all that jazz” (I had to get that in there somehow). It is a stage show that everyone should experience at least once. If you haven’t done so what exactly are you waiting for?
Chicago is a classic in its own right with phenomenal choreography and a musical score that will live on for generations. Its a story of women, of power, of justice and of fame. Our central character is Murderer-come-celebrity, Roxie Hart (played by Sarah Soetaert) who becomes famous after she is imprisoned for the murder of her lover. Her hapless husband Amos (played flawlessly by Paul Rider) using all his resources to fund the best lawyer in town the charismatic powerhouse Billy Flynn (Cuba Gooding Jr). Her adversary Velma Kelly (Josafina Gabrielle) highlights the over arching battle in the fame game and the irony of press propaganda being used to influence justice.
It is a stage show that everyone should experience at least once. If you haven’t done so what exactly are you waiting for?
Both Gabrielle and Soetraert had a natural chemistry, sexy and powerful on stage, they brought their characters to life so seamlessly. In fact the entire cast was truly delightful, one cannot take that away from them. Their dance routines and musical dexterity are undeniable. The band gave it their all and took us on a musical journey that one would expect on Broadway – thank goodness we received it here in London.
Chicago is a classic in its own right with phenomenal choreography and a musical score that will live on for generations.
Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr as Flynn is phenomenal as you would expect. He may not naturally have the vocal range for certain musical numbers but he really does go all out to entertain the audience and is a real crowd pleaser. When he steps on stage, he captures the full attention of the audience – what a joy to watch.
