Because I am a huge fan of Bebe Neuwirth (who originally played Velma Kelly in the 1996 revival), I was super excited to when I learned that Chicago is in town. I have seen videos of Bebe as Velma on Youtube and I was mega excited to see the choreography of Ann Reinking in person. And when I got there, I know I was in for a wonderful time.
When the curtains raised and one of the members of the ensemble said "Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to see a story of greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery... all the things we hold near and dear to our hearts. Thank you," tears welled up in my eyes. When the orchestra started playing the overture of Chicago, was practically crying. And when Velma came up, I was dead.
The ensemble danced so effortlessly that even though I know that the choreography were ultra hard, the ensemble made it look as easy as walking. I was pleased and surprised to learn that after all these years, they retained Ann Reinking's wonderful choreography. Of all the dance numbers, I was really looking in seeing Velma's dancing. One because I have seen Bebe do it in the Youtube videos, and two because I know they were complicated and I want to see them live. However, I was a bit disappointed when I Can't Do It Alone came and the complicated dance steps were replaced with less complex steps.
Bianca Marroquin, the actress playing Roxie was such a good comedienne, all her cracks bite so hard that I was laughing like crazy all throughout the play. I guess Terra MacLeod, the one playing Velma, was good, but sorry I am biased with Bebe Neuwirth's performance. Haha! When I saw online that Bebe played Mama Morton just recently, I was half hoping that she will come to the Philippines and perform, so obviously I was a bit disappointed. But it is okay though, Roz Ryan was good. C. Newcomer, the guy playing Mary Sunshine, yes the GUY, was a great surprise for me. I thought Mary Sunshine is a girl. Jeff McCarthy, the guy who plays Billy Flynn was also good but I think his dancing is a bit awkward, I think I like Richard Gere (the Billy Flynn in the movie) better. Jacob Keith Watson who plays Amos Hart was so good that I really pity Amos for being married to Roxie and being neglected his whole life. As for the ensemble, well I cannot comment on them because they were just perfect. They danced in seamless synchronicity, they move so effortlessly, and they made me want to learn how to dance jazz.
Though most of the souvenir items sold were quite expensive (for me only though), I was very lucky that my mother lent me some money and I got to buy a souvenir program which has Bebe Neuwirth's pictures! Yey!!
Guys, you still have several shows to watch. Chicago the Musical is up in Solaire Restort & Casino until December 21, 2014 from Tuesdays to Sundays. Just go to the website of TicketWorld.
