By Kimberly Rau
The Tony-award winning musical “Chicago” is in Providence this weekend, and this tour in particular showcases exactly why it’s one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.
Set in 1920s Chicago, the show centers around Roxie, a vaudeville wannabe who finds herself on trial for murder after shooting her lover and trying to get her husband to take the blame. She’s in prison with superstar Velma, who has no time for Roxie, and a host of other women, all of whom have their justifications for “not” doing what they’re accused of doing. Can she get away with murder? Maybe, with the help of prison matron “Mama” Morton, and a slick talking lawyer by the name of Billy Flynn.
This version of “Chicago” is based on Walter Bobbie’s original direction and, importantly, Ann Reinking’s original choreography, which was heavily influenced by Bob Fosse and is one of the show’s biggest draws. But director David Hyslop and choreography Gregory Butler put their own spin on things, making the show feel fresh and exciting. (Purists, fear not: Certain favorites, such as the Bob Fosse’s original choreography for “The Hot Honey Rag” remain untouched.)
One of the reasons the show works as well as it does is because there isn’t a weak moment in it. This tour’s cast is equally solid. Ellie Roddy, making her national tour debut as Roxie Hart, is a very talented dancer with a strong voice to match, and excellent delivery. Roxie is over-eager and brash, the opposite of the aloof Velma Kelly, played beautifully by Taylor Lane, a Chicago native who will remind you of Bebe Neuwirth in all the right ways.
Connor Sullivan plays Billy Flynn, the lawyer who swears all he cares about is love (but won’t take your case if the check doesn’t clear). Sullivan is especially good in Act 1’s “We Both Reached for the Gun” and Act 2’s “Razzle Dazzle,” a stunning number with some incredible choreography. His polar opposite is Amos Hart, Roxy’s spurned husband. Andrew Metzger is fantastic in this role, and his vaudeville-style “Mr. Cellophane” is a thing of beauty. Illeana Kirven is the prison matron who makes it all happen (for a price). Kirven’s interpretation of the role is one of the best I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, and “When You’re Good to Mama” brought the house down on opening night.
That’s not to ignore the ensemble, who are essential to the show being as good as it is. “The Cell Block Tango” is one of the best numbers in the show and the cast hits it out of the park. And “All I Care About is Love” features Billy, but wouldn’t be half the number it is without the singers and dancers framing him. No matter where you choose to focus during the many musical numbers, you can’t go wrong.
“Chicago” is a strong show in its own right, but this tour showcases everything a musical can, and should be. A barely-there set designed by John Lee Beatty allows you to focus
entirely on the dancing in front of you. The costumes, by William Ivey Long, are sexy. The orchestra on stage brings things up a notch, allowing the musicians to interact with the characters. This is one of the best tours to come through Providence, and, if you can get seats, should become part of your weekend plans.
“Chicago” runs through May 4, 2025, at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. Tickets may be obtained at the box office, online at ppacri.org or by calling 401.421.2787
