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Stop the press! Chicago returns to LOWRY for one week only. Starring Strictly Come Dancing pro, Janette Manrara as murderous Roxie Hart, Djalenga Scott as killer Velma Kelly, and Darren Day as hot-shot lawyer Billy Flynn. Read all about it, below!
Chicago first burst onto the stage in 1975, directed and choreographed by the iconic Bob Fosse, the musical was based on real cases covered by playwright Maurine Watkins in the 1920s.
Chicago at LOWRY
CHICAGO. The Company. Photo Paul Coltas
Since its stage debut in the 70s there’s been a few Chicago adaptations, including the hit 2002 film of the same name, starring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Chicago is a classic, every performer in the country will have done a number from this show at least once, and every audience member will know how to ‘jazz hands’ or give a little ‘razzle dazzle’.
When you enter the theatre, while waiting patiently for the lights to go down, you’re greeted by nothing but a spotlight on an empty chair, with smoke drifting across the stage and down through the seats. The staging for the show overall is simple, but incredibly effective. When the show starts, it immediately transports you to a 1920s jazz bar, getting the latest gossip from the wireless.
Janette Manrara as Roxie Hart
Janette Manrara (Roxie Hart) Photo Becky Lee Brun
The simplistic styling sees the cast stay in the same outfits throughout – except for the addition of a top hat or two. Less is more in Chicago, even when it comes to monochrome mesh menswear. Star of the show, Roxie Hart (Janette Manrara) is often seen in a sheer rhinestone kimono or strutting her stuff in a sparkly silk dress.
The performers are joined on stage by the orchestra and conductor, helping to immerse both the audience and ensemble alike, as dancers slide past saxophones during scenes.
The show began with a bang, the first act is packed full of jazz hands, setting the tone for the show with All That Jazz, We Both Reached for The Gun and of course, the jaw dropping Cell Block Tango.
“You just never know what’s coming next”
Sadly Brenda Edward’s was missing from our lineup, with Victoria Anderson stepping up to the bar as Mama Morton, the no messin’ matriarch of the women’s block. Victoria’s rendition of When You’re Good to Mama hit all the right notes in all the right places but lacked a little sass like some performers who have personified this role before her. However, Victorias duet with Velma was wonderful and had all the drama of a scorned woman.
Janette has been showcasing her dancing prowess on our screens for years, but now she’s bringing more of her talents to the stage. Of course, her dancing is impressive, not a step out of time as she’s seen fosse-footing it across the stage, but it’s her singing that takes you by surprise. Roxie’s duet with Velma packed a punch; the harmonies with Djalenga Scott were on point. The voice that comes from Janettes tiny five-foot frame is as powerful as the West End stars she’s sharing a stage with.
Overall, even though it’s a classic, Chicago doesn’t take itself too seriously. With a whole host of slapstick comedy, cartwheels and dead bodies announcing the next number, you never know what’s coming next.
Tickets for Chicago at LOWRY
The merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail welcome you to come and hear their side of the story. If this sexy show seems like your kind of deal, you can still get tickets for a complete steal. Chicago is on at the Lowry until the 30th of August.
You can get tickets by clicking here
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