The scorching cabaret-style musical, Chicago, has kicked off it's Sydney run for 2024 but with an element of surprise - if you ask me - after attending opening night on Thursday.
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Walking into the Capitol Theatre I knew I was in for a treat as stage veteran Anthony Warlow was guaranteed to bring his character of cunning and charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn.
Zoë Ventoura, Lucy Maunder, Anthony Warlow and cast of CHICAGO. The production is playing in Sydney before heading to Adelaide then Canberra. Pictures by Jeff Busby
I also knew Zoe Ventoura (you'd remember her from Packed to the Rafters and other TV jaunts) was a stellar actress and had heard her theatre ventures were equally as wonderful, so anticipated her character Velma Kelly would be fabulous.
I had also seen the 2002 film production - starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere - so I was aware of the glitz, glamour and scandal the plot would bring.
What I didn't expect, was how exceptional one performer would be in their role, nearly stealing the show from them all - Peter Rowsthorn.
This was no "token big name comedian" casting, this man was born to play gullible and hapless husband "Amos".
Rowsthorn's theatrical performance on Thursday night, June 13, pushed his alter ego Brett Craig (from Kath & Kim) to the furthest corner of my mind, that I had to consult Google to jog my memory.
"Noice!"
Sydney's Capital Theatre is a short walk from Central Station with an abundance of bars and restaurants nearby. 3-15 Campbell Street, Haymarket. Picture by Desiree Savage
THE SHOW
Others to bring the razzle dazzle alongside Rowsthorn, include Lucy Maunder, who plays his irreverent and determined wife Roxie Hart.
Following her star turn as Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray, Asabi Goodman plays the tough and sassy prison warden Matron 'Mama' Morton.
Chicago launched in 1975 and is the longest-running show on Broadway.
Expect jiving big band music from the roaring '20s live on stage, with the orchestra seated in full view of the audience (it won't work for every show, but I loved they were part of this one).
THE PLOT
Chicago is based on the 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and has since won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy.
It's set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, and follows the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her.
Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer Billy Flynn to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.
Cast members of CHICAGO do the 'Cell Block Tango'. Picture by Jeff Busby
GETTING THERE
Sydney's Capital Theatre is a short walk from Central Station with an abundance of bars and restaurants nearby.
We enjoyed a pre-drink at the elegant Reign bar, at the QVB overlooking Town Hall through oversized arched windows, before a co*cktail and tapas at Zeta Bar inside the Hilton on George Street (the barman was the fastest co*cktail artiste I have ever seen).
Zeta's rooftop was open for business too, but it was a tad chilly so opted for a window seat inside.
Enjoying some bubbles at Reign bar at the QVB, opposite Sydney Town Hall. Picture by Desiree Savage
THE VERDICT
If it's not to see Peter Rowsthorne's performance - or Anthony Warlow or Zoe Ventoura - just go for the songs!
Cell Block Tango, Razzle Dazzle and All That Jazz will have your toes tapping.
Chicago is at Sydney's Capitol Theatre until July 28 (see performance times below), before playing at Adelaide's Festival Theatre From August 4, then the Canberra Theatre Centre from September 7.
It's running time is 2 hours and 30 mins, including a 20 min interval.
Ticket prices start from $69.90 (plus transaction fees).
Performance Times:
- Sydney: Tue-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
- Adelaide - opens in August: performance times Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm (performance times vary each week)
- Canberra - opens in September: performance times Tues-Sat 7pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm
For more details, visit: www.chicagomusical.com.au.
At the helm of Australia's premier publication for people aged over 55, covering hard hitting issues, travel, lifestyle and entertainment. Got a hot tip? Email me - edit@TheSenior.com.au
