Nothing shows the human body in its best form like dance. Add some raucous songs, a crack thirteen-piece live band, a cast to die for and you have the makings of a great night out. Chicago, now showing at QPAC certainly lived up to those expectations.
Adding to the sense of occasion was a first night out together since a fur baby came into our lifes. Many adult beverages were consumed and the rowdy feeling off-stage was perfectly matched by all the action on-stage. The original play came out in the twenties and was based on two real-world court cases. The musical version came out in 1975.
The seventies in retrospect were a time for the expansion of many forms of popular culture and the representation of that era gives this musical its timelessness. The cheeky demeanour of its main participants provides enduring humour and the tightly choreographed nature of the dance moves suits the smallish set. The entire band is given full view at the back of the stage.
Most people know the story of Roxie Hart (Lucy Maunder) and Velma Kelly (Zoë Ventoura) from the film, which is fine but those who have forgotten how invigorating a live performance can be should check this one out. It’s also a feast for the ears with a red-hot live band playing accessible songs that feature more than a dash of attitude.
The musical also features Anthony Warlow as Billy Flynn, Peter Rowsthorn as Amos Hart and Asabi Goodman as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.
Chicago
Now Playing until 4 February 2024
Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
www.qpac.com.au
