Review: CHICAGO Brings its City a 'Splendiferous' Show

There's a moment during the ritzy, jazzy smash hit, Chicago, when charming lawyer Billy Flynn compares a murder trial to a dazzling, show-stopping circus: "Give'em a show that's so splendiferous," he says. And that Chicago truly did.

For a limited engagement only, the Ebb and Fosse-penned musical parks its national tour in one very special city: Chicago! It plays at the Cadillac Palace Theatre from May 10-15, and is a well-worth trip back to the glitzy, glamorous and sort-of-grimy 1920's; especially for Windy City audiences.

In place of a grimy Cook County jailhouse, we're given a minimalist set that manages to evoke the story's "razzle dazzle" quality, despite its limited prop count. The orchestra is a character of its own, facing audiences from a high-rise platform that sits at the center of the stage. Their performance sets theatre-goers in the middle of a swanky twenties' nightclub for a cabaret-style recount of scandalous crimes. Fortunately, there's still plenty of room for the ensemble of merry murderesses and suave nightclub dancers to execute (pun intended) flawless choreography that, alone, is worth the price of admission.

Dylis Croman tackles the iconic role of our favorite ambitious, fame-obsessed ingenue, Roxie Hart. Her portrayal of a spunky Vaudeville-dancer-wannabe is far different than Renee Zellweger's in the 2002 film adaptation. As an audience, we're more in tune with her crazy side (which Croman theatrically plays up) and we're also just a little more sympathetic.

Roxie's infamous counterpart is played by Terra C. MacLeod, who also took on the role of Velma Kelly for the original French production and Broadway's most recent revival. MacLeod is also impressive, finding a comedic side (her duet of "Class" with Roz Ryan's "Big Mama Morton" is one of the funniest in the show) and playing the perfect washed-up showgirl, desperate for a moment of Roxie's publicity. Both MacLeod and Croman give very different performances but compliment each other, creating two contrasting women who will do just about anything to get a moment in the limelight.

"Seinfeld" star and "Family Feud" host John O'Hurley is, undoubtedly, the most well-known name on the tour's marquee. He's a shoo-in for Chicago's charming smooth-talker, Billy Flynn, and he takes on the role of the criminal lawyer skillfully, aside from being a little hard to understand during some of the musical numbers. Film and TV actor Paul C. Vogt also ditches Hollywood for the stage, as Roxie's unlucky husband, Amos Hart. While the role is fairly small, Vogt plays "Mr.Cellophane" superbly.

As Broadway's longest running American musical to date, the story of two criminals trying to 'make it' proves a treat for all who enjoy good music, good dancing, good laughter and good theater. It's the perfect night for painting the town....and all that jazz.

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Chicago plays its namesake from May 10-15 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre on West Randolph Street. To learn about tickets and other Broadway in Chicago productions, click here.

Photo Credit: Margie Korshak Images