What is to become the longest-running musical soon on Broadway, The anniversary tour production of Chicago is dazzling audiences all over America and is currently playing at the Segerstorm Hall in Orange County. Is it worth a trip to the theater?

By: Orlando Arechiga

Based on a 1996 Broadway revival and re-creation of Original Production Choreography by Gary Chryst and Re-creation Direction by Tânia Nardini, the show’s original staging, direction, and choreography by Bob Fosse appears at every corner of the stage, making this tour production one not to miss if you love classic musical theater, even if it includes flaws.

Set in the 1920s, ‘Chicago’ follows Roxie Hart, an ambitious woman who murders her lover and is arrested, despite having a husband by her side. In jail, Roxie meets another ambitious woman named Velma Kelly who desires the same as Roxie, fame and a spotlight in Chicago With the help of her husband, Roxie hired the rich and handsome, Billy Flynn, who is determined to set Roxie free. Velma Kelly and Roxie develop a unique relationship, as they are more similar than they both think.

What begins with a chair on stage, and then dives into a concert-style production with the same sets and same costumes, ‘Chicago’ misses the mark to become something fascinating and memorable. The music is there, the story is there, and the talent is there, but the production stays in the same direction the whole time. Some moments feel confusing as the talented ensemble plays multiple characters, which stay in the same lingerie throughout both acts. I believe adding some type of costume elements, like scars or hats, would help distinguish who is who in scenes. The production uses the same set throughout, which makes the immersive experience feel dull. The best we get is a ladder where actors sing from, a United States flag, and confetti. For a musical that has so much history, including a film that won best picture at the Oscars, the production value is weak. What shines the most here is the choreography, which is beyond sensual and supports the story with dance movements that are eye-catching and musical theatre glory.

Stand-outs include Christina Well, who plays Matron “Mama'” Morton and was a semifinalist on “American’s Got Talent”. Her talent fills the room and is quite impactful, although in some moments it felt like she was channeling Ursula from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid’. She is a powerhouse and sadly won’t be in the production after its OC run. G.A James who plays Mary Sunshine vocals brings the house down with an inventive voice that is enchanting and unforeseen.

Overall, ‘Chicago’ is enjoyable, offering a concert style of the story, There is potential for it to be more razzle dazzle as one of the musical songs suggests, but importantly, I think it offers a great introduction to the work of Bob Fosse who changed the world of musical theater forever.

‘Chicago’ is playing until May 21 at the Segerstorm Hall at Segerstorm Center For the Arts. To buy tickets, click here!