The Hamilton Academy razzles and dazzles as they bring Chicago
to Los Angeles with their steamy, energized production of Fred Ebb and Bob
Fosse’s hit musical. Striking visuals dominate Director Joe Joyce’s
production. Mood-setting lighting effects (Rob Fritz) enhance Tommy
G. Marquet’s sharp, sexy costumes. And enhancing those costumes is a
dynamite dance ensemble. Creative choreographers Sandahl Bergman and Gerry
McIntyre take the music and emotions to a higher level with their
insightful and challenging routines, and they are working with a cast that has
the talent to turn their vision into reality.
There’s a story in there amidst the razzle – a fairly
entertaining tale of men-killing women who want to use their vengeful murders
for fame and glory in vaudeville. And if in turn they can also avoid the
hangman’s noose, so much the better.
Rainey Latislaw stars as Roxie Hart, the bored
housewife who shoots her lover when he leaves her, and then hopes to parlay
that into stardom. Rainey’s strongest aspect is her dancing and physical humor,
especially as the puppet to All-He-Cares-About-Is-Love lawyer extraordinaire
Billy Flynn (played by the smooth Cord Jackman).
Roxie joins a cell block full of jilted lovers, or in some
cases women who were simply annoyed, who popped their significant others,
leading to the hit Cell Block Tango number. But the big celebrity on the
block is vaudeville star Velma Kelley who aims to use her murder of her
adulterous hubby and sis as a launching pad for a national tour. And Chloe
Tucker is the girl to do it – a triple threat with charisma, sensual charm,
and All That Jazz.
Other highlights include Daniel Johnsen as
Roxie’s gullible husband Amos, a.k.a. Mr. Cellophane, who wins the hearts of
the audience with his sensitive, unassuming portrayal of the devoted husband. Charles
Turner is a hoot as sugary crime reporter Mary Sunshine (sadly, his mike
didn’t work during the first act on Thursday night). Above them all sits a
crack band that propels the action below with their flawless performance led by
Musical Conductor Jim Foschia.
Performed through May 20, 2006.
Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre
~ Cast ~
Roxie Hart: Rainey Latislaw
Velma Kelley: Chloe Tucker
Billy Flynn: Cord Jackman
Mary Sunshine: Charles Turner
Matron "Mama" Morton: Sara Gonzales
Amos Hart: Daniel Johnsen
~ Cell Block Tango Girls ~
Pop: Sofia Siegel
Six: Molly Kreppel
Squish: Talia Londoner
Uh-Uh: Linda Neel
Lipshitz: Kiera Bloore
Go-to-Hell-Kitty: Lea Cunningham
Fred Casely: Chris Peranich
Sergeant Fogarty: Mikey Hawley
Aaron: Ramone Owens
Ensemble:
Anton Garsola
Cooper Haskins
Ryan Houston
Candice Hunt
Frankie Kraft
Lilli Passero
Bryce Payne
Abrielle Stedman
Skylar Tatro
Kristin Taylor
Jeffrey Van Sciver
Allen Weaver
Director: Joe Joyce
Lighting Design: Rob Fritz
Sound Design: Colbert Davis
Costume Design: Tommy G. Marquez
Musical Conductor: Jim Foschia
Co-Choreographers: Sandahl Bergman and Gerry McIntyre
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