Theater Review: Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre: Chicago the Musical

Chicago the musical, one of theater's favorites, returns to the stage in Indianapolis at Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre.
Deb Wims portrays Roxie Hart, the dreamer willing to do anything (including murder) to reach star status. Wims' energy and sassy attitude push her normally lovely dance and vocal talents to an even higher level. Breaking away from the usual good-girl roles, Wims' vampish-yet-naive approach to Roxie clawing her way to the top is pure gold as shown in "Roxie."

From the moment Curt Dale Clark glides into view, he takes center stage as that charming, albeit conniving, attorney Billy Flynn. There is something deliciously sly and altogether captivating about Clark's version of the superficial and silky smooth lawyer who wins all of his court cases with a smile, bribes and his powers of persuasion with the media. And of course, a little.. make that a lot... of "Razzle Dazzle," one of Clark's best numbers of the night as a duet with Wims.

Showing off his skills of puppetry persuasion with the press, court of law members and clients, Clark, Wims and company bring down the house with  "We Both Reached for the Gun."

Marisa Rivera brings a slightly softer side to the role of double-murderer Velma Kelly showcasing her vocals and dance skills best in "All That Jazz" and end-of show duet with Wims, "Nowadays."

Alene Robertson as Matron "Mama" Morton draws laughs while Eddie Curry draws empathy from the audience as sap-husband Amos Hart.

Sally Scharbrough, as Liz, lights the stage, sizzling in Chicago once again. Last seen in Actor's Theatre of Indiana's version last season, (review here) Scharbrough stands out again in B&B's production.

You either grow weary of Chicago seemingly every season on some stage in the city or you rush to see the latest take on the Bob Fosse-classic satire of the seedy side of the jazz and post-prohibition era in the Windy City. Either way, this Marc Robin directed ~ Buddy Reeder choreographed combo is one you will add to that glad-I-saw list.

Bottom Line: I will keep this succinct: "Chicago...the Musical" is, by far, one of my all-time favorite Beef and Boards' productions in the six + seasons I have reviewed.

Images: JulieCurryPhotography.com

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read her new column, Infused, at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on Gottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in magazines and several Indianapolis area newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Theater Review: Broadway Across America: Chicago

B r o a d w a y Across America’s Chicago razzle-dazzled its way into Indianapolis this weekend. Set in Chicago’s late 1920s, the story revolves around murderesses and the celebrity status bestowed upon them via the media.

Tom Wopat portrayed Billy Flynn, the slick-talking attorney who cares only about love…and money.

Bianca Marroquin, as Roxie Hart, stood out, giving a little something extra, with her best musical performance in Me and My Baby.

Terra C. MacLeod brought energy to the stage as Velma Kelly, with her best vocals and dancing during When Velma Takes a Stand

Tom Riis Farrell in the role of Roxie’s husband Amos Hart, brought the audience into the “aah factor” zone. Creating the aah factor is not an easy feat, however Farrell drew sympathy from the women and empathy from the men in the audience, particularly during Mister Cellophane.

D. Micciche, as newspaper reporter Mary Sunshine, surprised the audience by revealing she was, in fact, portrayed by a man. Although it is traditional for a male performer to portray the role, it is always pleasant to see reactions when the surprise is revealed. Adding in his flamboyant energy, the thought was entertained heavily on Micciche’s being more well-suited for the role of Billy Flynn than Wopat, who seemed to lack the devil-may-care attitude and energy required for the flashy lawyer role.

Bottom Line: The snappy, jazzy pace makes Chicago a great choice for first-timers and die-hard fans alike.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and www.FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, in M magazine and these newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.