Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread- Page 32
Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
#775Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/16/15 at 4:54pm
It's always nice to see Donna Marie Asbury as Velma. She has a VOICE! Brandy and company were in fine form. https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay.php?colid=1061268
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#776Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/16/15 at 10:37pm
Chicago National Tour Dance Captain (2014-2015) Colt Adam Weiss makes his Broadway debut with "Chicago" this day and thru the weekend. 
He's the one on the left.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#777Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/16/15 at 11:28pm
I just wish Brandy could keep extending. I love the clips of her, such great energy & soul.
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
RW3
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/20/13
#778Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/16/15 at 11:36pm
"I just wish Brandy could keep extending. I love the clips of her, such great energy & soul."
She truly has been bitten by the Broadway bug.
Phantom4ever
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/17/07
#779Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/18/15 at 12:45am
Saw Chicago tonight. The ensemble was on fire as usual. I always have a critical eye on them, ready to pounce on the first symptom of long-run-itis I see but alas, they were yet again symptom-free tonight.
Mama Morton flubbed several lines, although it was nothing that the average audience member would have noticed. The Me and My Baby choreography (my favorite in the show) was diluted down into a barely recognizable imitation. Maybe I'm exaggerating a tiny bit but I expected Brandy to be able to do the full original choreography. She also cut the cartwheel at the end of the show. She had a very difficult time keeping up with Amra. Little things, like during Nowadays when they look from stage right to left, their heads moving in unison, were also a challenge for Brandy.
That said, her voice and her acting were great. I loved hearing her soulful renditions of those Kander and Ebb songs. It was quite a treat. And her sheer giddiness and excitement during Nowadays and Hot honey Rag essentially cancelled out the sloppiness of her dancing.
The new Flynn, who was mentioned earlier in the thread, had a problem in the courtroom scene. It was right at the beginning of his questioning of Roxie. He just blanked and went "can somebody help me?" And he looked at the cast standing on the edge of the orchestra box. They ignored him. Finally after what seemed like an eternity but what was probably less than 10 seconds, the defense attorney fed him his line which Flynn then repeated. A tense moment, as thee was no way to get him his line and stay in character. Or at least none of the cast came up with a way on the spot.
#780Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/18/15 at 5:29am
When I saw the show on June 9, 2015, I was actually impressed by Brandy's "Me and My Baby". I certainly wasn't expecting the full-on choreography, as she isn't a professional dancer. She managed a good routine, considering her lack of professional experience. Chicago veterans like Bianca Marroquin or Dylis Croman are known for their precision like dancing, because they're done the role and have perfected it. With regards to the new Billy Flynn (Ivan Hernandez) going up on his line, I was surprised to hear of that. I don't recall anyone ever writing about that happening to "Billy Flynn", but I guess it happens sometimes (tho not very often I imagine). People have off-days. (P.S. I decided to do a census of sorts on the number of my posts since I started the thread in 2011. There are 780 posts. Out of those, I counted 432 with my name. Some are repeats, especially if your post is at the end of a page. If my math is correct, that comes out to about 55.3%. My fingers are tired.)
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Updated On: 7/18/15 at 05:29 AM
#781Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/18/15 at 9:44pm
I'm wondering who "Chicago" will find as the newest Velma when AFW's current run finishes on July 26th. They'll certainly need a veteran Velma to mentor the newest upcoming Roxie-Rumer Willis. Maybe Carly Hughes can return?
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
ethan231h
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/5/11
#782Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/18/15 at 9:57pm
If Carly returns I will definitely be going back!
#783Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/19/15 at 5:38pm
Here's a BWW treat: a video shuffle of Ann Horak, Dylis Croman, Melissa Rae Mahon and Brandy Norwood performing "Roxie." Fabulous ladies! https://www.broadwayworld.com/videoplay.php?colid=1062279
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#784Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/21/15 at 3:58am
"I'm wondering who "Chicago" will find as the newest Velma when AFW's current run finishes on July 26th. They'll certainly need a veteran Velma to mentor the newest upcoming Roxie-Rumer Willis. Maybe Carly Hughes can return? "
Why would you think Brandy couldnt dance it? She killed on dancing with the stars
Carly isn't coming back
they don't mentor each other, if it's a new person opposite a long running person they don't usually meet till the put in I've been at many
Terra is coming back and Amra's going back to Japan come fall winter, exact dates aren't final yet
#785Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/21/15 at 7:11am
JB...welcome back. You've been missed. I thought Brandy was a good dancer in the various routines, even though I didn't expect the choreography to be Roxie 1.0. But it appeared that she performed very well. Plus, she has that exhuberance and soulful quality that is appealing. (I actually never said Brandy couldn't dance it. Nice to hear about Miss Terra returning as Velma Kelly. Guys, you're in for a treat! Terra C is winding up her Seoul, South Korea sit-down show until August 8th, I believe. Since Amra is finishing up on July 26, then there is a bit of time until Terra C arrives in NYC. Maybe some of the Velma u/s/s can have a chance to shine. Also, Brandy ends her run on August 2nd, while Rumer Willis doesn't begin until August 18th. Maybe the show can get someone like Linda Roginski to fill in until Rumer begins her time.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
WWBB London
Swing Joined: 7/21/15
#786Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/21/15 at 7:20am
Omg I love Chicago, defo one of my favourite shows of all time! I seen it at least 5 times now haha ( I probably shouldnt of admitted that xD)
Also guys I have a number of theatre tickets that I need to sell if any of you guys are interested. I can even offer you up to 60% off certain shows! (no brainer guys)
If you guys are interested do contact me at
hurry though! tickets are limited 
Tar!
#787Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/21/15 at 7:42am
What shows do you have tickets for?
Why do you need to sell them off? How many did you buy?
....but the world goes 'round
#788Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/21/15 at 5:06pm
"JB...welcome back. You've been missed. I thought Brandy was a good dancer in the various routines, even though I didn't expect the choreography to be Roxie 1.0. But it appeared that she performed very well. Plus, she has that exhuberance and soulful quality that is appealing. (I actually never said Brandy couldn't dance it. Nice to hear about Miss Terra returning as Velma Kelly. Guys, you're in for a treat! Terra C is winding up her Seoul, South Korea sit-down show until August 8th, I believe. Since Amra is finishing up on July 26, then there is a bit of time until Terra C arrives in NYC. Maybe some of the Velma u/s/s can have a chance to shine. Also, Brandy ends her run on August 2nd, while Rumer Willis doesn't begin until August 18th. Maybe the show can get someone like Linda Roginski to fill in until Rumer begins her time. "
Wow. Thanks. I didn't even think I'm liked here.
Christie Brinkley had the most watered down dancing then followed by Michele T. Williams. Melanie Griffith had very basic dance steps but it didn't matter. She WAS Roxie.
Donna Marie has no scheduled Velma dates this month and next. Amra probably will be there longer. Terra doesn't know the exact dates of her return as she said when we talked.
But see Brandy. Her excitment being in the show is amazing. Her riffs in songs are amazing. She's really a great Roxie.
#789Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/21/15 at 8:24pm
It almost seems as if the country has watched Brandy grow up, well, actually they have. She has a nice easy self confidence on stage that is good to see.
"when I’m on stage I see the abyss and have to overcome it by telling myself it’s only a play." - Helen Mirren
#790Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/22/15 at 9:04pm
"Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly (thru 11/22)"
EW
#792Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/22/15 at 11:07pm
""Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly (thru 11/22)"
EW"
Dear God, why???
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
#793Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/22/15 at 11:46pm
"""Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly (thru 11/22)" 
"
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#794Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/24/15 at 1:20pm
Amy Spanger will join the Broadway cast as Roxie Hart for a limited run: August 4-16.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
Anthony12
Understudy Joined: 1/4/15
#795Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/24/15 at 8:40pm
I saw Chicago for the first time last weekend and I was so disappointed with the show! I expected so much more from this show. It was so bland. Brandy's acting was not great, her singing was fabulous and her dancing was okay. It needs a revamp with more to it. I was so bored. The music was amazing! I love Kander and Ebb. But the whole thing was staged in front and barely no room to really dance or get the feel of anything. I was so disappointed.
#796Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/24/15 at 11:39pm
Anthony, I don't know how much you knew of the show beforehand, but that minimalist approach is a major focus of this show. The orchestra platform (I forget what it is actually called) is put to good effect. The performers and the orchestra share this space. Another notable part of the show is the use of black (remember, black goes with everything. : ) 
Perhaps you'll have a different opinion when you get the chance to see it a second time? People have all sorts of views about the show and the performers in it. I just wish that Chicago on Broadway would utilize a variety of Velmas.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#797Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/30/15 at 1:22pm
Great news for Carly Hughes fans! She will play "Velma Kelly" for a limited number of performances (August 22-September 4) during AFW's hiatus from the show. I wish Carly Hughes could have a much, much longer run.
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
#798Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/30/15 at 2:32pm
Going to have to time a return visit for when Carly and Rumer are on at the same time. Seeing Carly last winter was a fabulous breath of fresh air in that role.
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
Phantom4ever
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/17/07
#799Chicago the Musical Appreciation Thread
Posted: 7/30/15 at 2:37pm
Anthony, I also HATED Chicago when I first saw it. In fact, it took eight years and Usher as Billy Flynn to get me to go back. And as soon as the show started, I was hooked. The staging of All That Jazz is so iconic and perfect, the rest of the show just fell into place for me.
The first time, I was expecting spectacle and costume changes and all that. But the second time (and many more after) I was able to appreciate the minimalist staging which encourages the audiences to focus on the incredible score and instrumentation and the sexy, sultry, hot choreography.
