Post by Hannah on May 14, 2009 9:54:02 GMT 11
I saw the preview for Chicago last night. Having seen the same version of the show in London a few years back, the staging/choreography/etc wasn't new to me. I do love the stripped-back simplicity though.
Unfortunately they appeared to be having problems with the band's mics for the first few scenes (singer's mics were fine) which meant that the first few numbers didn't pack the musical punch the latter songs did. In particular, Cell Block Tango fell very flat because it was so quiet. However, once they fixed that, the band (and the numbers!) were stellar.
Sharon Millerchip was just awesome as Roxie. Buzzing with energy - so wrong in so many ways, yet so endearing. Her 'Roxie' was, I think, the best number of the show. Her monologue at the start was gorgeous!
Caroline O'Connor was Caroline O'Connor. Usual, nothing different. Quite good, but got outshone by Millerchip.
Craig McLauchlan was surprisingly good for me. I don't know what I was expecting, but 'nothing much' comes to mind. He fulfilled his purpose well.
Gina Riley has a fantastic voice, but by god she has no stage presence. For "When you're good to mama" she basically just stood on the spot and sang. Made the character kind of drift into the background.
The cast was fabulous - all wonderful dancers. The band was great and the conductor is a great find - musically talented and skilled in the acting/accents department!
So, a hell of a lot of fun. Would've been ever better had the sound issue not been there, but that's what previews are for!
Unfortunately they appeared to be having problems with the band's mics for the first few scenes (singer's mics were fine) which meant that the first few numbers didn't pack the musical punch the latter songs did. In particular, Cell Block Tango fell very flat because it was so quiet. However, once they fixed that, the band (and the numbers!) were stellar.
Sharon Millerchip was just awesome as Roxie. Buzzing with energy - so wrong in so many ways, yet so endearing. Her 'Roxie' was, I think, the best number of the show. Her monologue at the start was gorgeous!
Caroline O'Connor was Caroline O'Connor. Usual, nothing different. Quite good, but got outshone by Millerchip.
Craig McLauchlan was surprisingly good for me. I don't know what I was expecting, but 'nothing much' comes to mind. He fulfilled his purpose well.
Gina Riley has a fantastic voice, but by god she has no stage presence. For "When you're good to mama" she basically just stood on the spot and sang. Made the character kind of drift into the background.
The cast was fabulous - all wonderful dancers. The band was great and the conductor is a great find - musically talented and skilled in the acting/accents department!
So, a hell of a lot of fun. Would've been ever better had the sound issue not been there, but that's what previews are for!
