Hodges & Hodges Set the Stage for CHICAGO, Playing Nov. 7-16 at the Orpheum
By: Linda Hodges and Nick Hodges Nov. 02, 2014
Hodges & Hodges know about a whoopee spot "where the gin is cold, but the piano's hot" and it ain't in Chicago - it's in San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre November 7 - 16. Yes, folks, you heard it here, Chicago is coming to town with all that jazz, a bit of razzle dazzle, and a big helping of mamma! With music and lyrics by Kander and Ebb, and done in the choreography style of Bob Fosse (who wrote the book with Fred Ebb), this Broadway classic was nominated for ten Tony awards for its original production back in 1976 and won six Tony's for its 1997 Broadway Revival. Oh - and don't forget, this show is "adults only" - which means we can't wait to see it.
Long before "How to Get Away With Murder" splashed across our television screens and Curtains was just a twinkle in the eyes of Kander, Ebb and playwright Rupert Holmes - Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly were on the scene with their insidious tale of righteous revenge and murder most foul. Chicago's leading ladies continue to razzle dazzle us with their blood-thirsty quest for fame and fortune in this revival. In case you're not familiar with them, Velma Kelly, a famous cabaret dancer, and Roxie Hart, a back-up singer dreaming of fame, both end up in the slammer for fiendish and horrible murders. With the help of trial lawyer Billy Flynn, they want to turn the truth upside-down and get out of jail free so they can shimmy back into the limelight!
How to get ready to see Chicago - some fun things to do in San Francisco
Do the "Cell Block Tango" - Most of this iconic show takes place in jail. So why not visit San Francisco's own Alcatraz, that menacing island smack dab in the middle of the bay and former home (or maybe their ghosts are still there?) to some of the America's most notorious criminals. Does the name Al "Scarface" Capone ring a bell? And do you know about the "Birdman?" He was a little flighty! There is also a wealth of other interesting historical facts about Alcatraz that are worth the visit, but be warned: don't go getting trapped in one of the cells - or you might end up as part of Alcatraz's history.
It Ain't No Prison Food - If you are looking for some authentic Chicago flavors then there is only one place to go: JJ's Fish and Chicken. This Chicago style gem was found by Nick's best friend, who just so happens to be from the windy city. "JJ's always has fresh and delicious food that makes you feel right at home," she shared, so there you go! And of course, you must go to Capo's in North Beach and order some Old Chicago, deep dish pizza. We can smell the garlic from here!
"We Both Reached for the Gun"- Feeling guilty about leaving the kiddies with a sitter the night of the show?
Well, during the song "We Both Reached for the Gun," Billy Flynn uses Roxie like a puppet to spin her story and get her out of prison so... why not take the kids down to Puppets on the Pier down at Fisherman's Wharf! With finger puppets, full puppets, and marionettes filling each and every wall Puppets on the Pier is a great family time.
"Roxie"- In the 2002 movie of Chicago, the song "Roxie" partly takes place in a chorus line-esque mirror stage set where Roxie sings her heart out about how she's gonna be a star! While still at the wharf, head on over to Magowan's Infinite Mirror Maze and travel through this colorful maze of mirrors.
"All That Jazz!" - Savanna Jazz S.F. was voted "Best Jazz Club" by an SF Weekly Readers Poll. Located in San Francisco's Mission District, Savanna Jazz hosts a plethora of jazz music six nights a week. With an enchanting atmosphere, warm colors and soft lighting, this jazz club not only has great live music, but an amazing array of good food. Come on down and dine and snap your fingers to the best jazz in the city.
What to look for from Nick - For those who have only seen the movie version of Chicago, you always have to be aware of the differences between stage and screen. Never expect to see on stage what you have seen in the movie. It's always a drag when you've been listening and seeing something that you are expecting to see in the theatre and then feel let down. Never expect to never be disappointed.
What to look for from Linda - Chicago is that rare American Broadway Musical with no message of redemption, hope or even love lost then won again. If it wasn't for the oh-so-amazing Kander and Ebb songs the show is just a cold-hearted look at self-serving killers, the corrupt criminal justice system and the ease with which the media succumbs to the razzle-dazzle of celebrity criminals. But the music is just so darn good that you find yourself mesmerized by the song-and-dance of it all. Lyricist Fred Ebb brilliantly captures the smoke and mirrors that we succumb to in the aptly titled "Razzle Dazzle." Long as you keep 'em way off balance/How can they spot you've got no talents? Luckily for us this show is filled with talent if not redemption. Watch for John O'Hurley (Seinfeld, Spamalot, Dancing with the Stars) to wow, but I think the scene stealer will be Bianca Marroquin, a Mexican star of stage and television. Though she isn't as well-known here, she's a mega-watt, mega-star in Mexico. Prepare to be razzle-dazzled by her!
CHICAGO
Book by Freed Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander; Lyrics by Fred Ebb
SHNSF.COM
Orpheum Theatre, San Francisco
Playing: November 7-16
Tuesday-Saturday at 8pm
Wednesday & Saturday at 2pm
Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1pm & 6:30pm
Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1pm
Photos courtesy of Jeremy Daniel
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