It takes a brave company to produce Chicago with the slick West End production still pulling in the crowds. Aberystwyth Arts Centre has not only accepted the challenge, it has both risen to it and triumphed over it.
Anthony Williams’ high octane production never lets up from the moment Michael Morwood, the musical director, walks on and announces this tale of murder, greed and corruption, calmly strolls to his superb on-stage band and lets them and the cast loose on All That Jazz.
You are never allowed to forget the story’s vaudeville angles so that Ali Allen’s stunning jail house set keeps bursting into colour as brash, attention-grabbing performances erupt all over the stage.
These performances, large and small, are outstanding. Shona Lindsay is an excellent Roxie, particularly during the very funny trial scene. She’s well matched by Carrie Ellis’ hard-bitten Velma. Their singing, together or apart, is sublime.
As for Billy Flynn, Ian Knauer oozes insincerity from every pore, smiles to blind the audience and gives us every nuance of the shyster lawyer. Nor must I forget, although everyone else does, David Barrett’s Amos Hart, whose Mr Cellophane and his final exit bring a catch to the throat.
Elizabeth Diamond’s gravel voiced, long-legged Mama Morton and Julia J Nagle’s operatic Mary Sunshine provide a twist on the usual portrayals.
Outstanding moments include a fantastic Cell Block Tango, a bitter Class and the eye-popping, circus-themed Razzle Dazzle. This is a production which has real pizzazz. With great choreography it is coruscating musical theatre.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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