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Chicago Reviews
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Not the Chicago you're looking for Review by: Eeps, Jun 11, 2011 |
If you’ve come to London to enjoy great theater, this production of Chicago isn’t it. Having been smitten, over the years, by the quality of theatrical production here; and, having just seen the epic production of Warhorse and the off-off-off production of Ghost Stories, I was particularly enthusiastic for the live, London performance of this bawdy classic. How very, very disappointed we were. Casting strong leads who can command a role is so ... read more very important in a musical production like this, and the producers clearly got this all wrong. Velma was anything but sultry, and Roxie was (and I’m being kind) at least 10 years too old for the part – perhaps never having had the looks, pipes, or emotive capability for the role. Big Mama was a lifeless, stationary stump. And frankly, the entire cast gave wooden performances, clearly disengaged from one another. No feeling, no “magic,” and no connection with each other or the audience. Technically excellent, they hit every note with precision . . . and a total lack of feeling that left the songs ringing hollow. The one (and only) bright point in this production was the excellent chorus; these young men and women are still on their way up, and they performed like they intended to get there. Even the playhouse was ill suited for its purpose; judging from the extremely cramped seating, I can only imagine that this old venue was built in a time when Londoners were physically much smaller than are the audiences today. We were jammed to the point of irritating discomfort before the conclusion of the second song. One doesn’t mind paying a premium price for great theater. It does, however, chafe considerably when you pay West End prices, only to walk out at the interval.
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 2 |
Review by: redser, Aug 11, 2009 |
Excellent show - would really recommend it!
I just saw this show in London with Gerry Springer playing Billy Flynn - it was fab - the music, dancing and acting were flawless. I especially liked Amos Hart, he added alot of comedy & empathy to the role. i think its the best show in the west end at the moment |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 3 |
New Yorker finds bliss in London Review by: Donna, Jun 27, 2008 |
| I saw this while in London and I am from NYC; it was much better than the movie. I was riveted by the acting and bythe music.....I espoecially loved the lead! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Large Group
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Anyone
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| 4 |
Liked it! Review by: hanny, Dec 27, 2007 |
| Chicago was a great show! I really liked it, thought the plot is a bit complicated. In some parts you really have tto pay attention. The set was simple and dark, the dancers were good. Overall I say go see it! |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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| 5 |
Who needs the movie - Chicago the musical was great and stood up on its own! Review by: razzadazzle, Sep 13, 2006 |
I see that the previous reviewers compared the show to the movie. Maybe that's the problem with movie versions of shows they take some of the magic away.
I personally have never seen the movie, so here is my slightly more objective opinion:
Chicago was briliant. Without having too much on the stage they were able to create this whole world of dark richness. The dancers were excellent, and of course the leading actors were wonderful and ... read more really carried the show with ease.The show is somewhere between a cabaret act and a musical, and the result is really very good.
The part that was so sad was when the russian(I think she was russian, or hungarian?) actress was hanged. I thought they portrayed that so well. it really stung you in the heart. Also I liked the part of the prison lady who was tough but helped out in the end. The song 'He had it coming' with the ladies who each told why they were in prison gave me goosebumps, it was that good. In short, there was never a dull moment and it was fantastic. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 6 |
disappointing- just watch the movie Review by: Matt, Aug 29, 2006 |
| Let me first say that I saw the movie before the show. On that note, despite the wonderful music and story, this production was lackluster. There is pretty much NO set, and the costumes are plain and stingy. Also, the orchestra is on stage, which takes away from the action. While the singing, acting, and dancing was technically good, it lacked energy. It is the only case where I can honestly say I prefer the film over the show. |
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| 7 |
Nothing like seeing a live performance as opposed to the movie Review by: , Aug 29, 2006 |
| This play was awesome! I saw the movie first but there's nothing like a live performance! I find it much less intriguing to watch a musical on DVD. We went to see this musical in NYV with friends (4 couples altogether) and we all loved it! The music/singing is outstanding! |
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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