Chicago (Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Company)
It's almost as if the jazz-age setting of Kander & Ebb's Chicago was made for the unusual confines of the stage at the Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham, they regularly manage to fit shows into an unusually structured acting space and this one works exquisitely as the audience almost become part of the action.
Entering to Joash Musundi's announcer/narrator role, every audience member is left in no doubt that they must turn everything (literally) off and keep their drinks to their own side of the table, anything creeping to the acting side is likely to be consumed without question.
Cassie Wooldridge is a defiant, sultry and totally engaging Roxie Hart, perhaps a little more intense than the character is regularly played but, that only makes her more engaging and leaves one wondering whether to love her, hate her or perhaps equal mixtures of both.
Conversely Alanna Boden's powerful and intoxicating Velma Kelly leaves no doubt as to what she wants (or expects) and frankly doesn't care whether anybody likes it or not, that forthright approach has its own strangely likeable qualities and whilst both Velma and Roxie are fundamentally criminals it's hard not find them lovable as individuals.
Dean Bayliss is a confident and vocally outstanding Billy Flynn, both Roxie and Velma think they can charm him but, this lawyer isn't for charming and you either follow his rules or you don't get the benefit of his considerable persona. Is he really in it for the $5000 or as the song tells us does he really only care about 'Love', I'll wager it's purely for the money.
Whilst Roxie is friendly with many males she is married to one as well, Lloyd Scarsbrook is a suitably downtrodden and overlooked (or should I say 'looked through' if the lyrics of Mr Cellophane are anything to go by) Amos Hart, always looking to please his wife even though he knows she cares very little for him other than his ability to financially support her.
Keeping all the 'chickies in her pen' as happy as it's possible to be when they are accused of murder is the imposing presence and booming vocals of Sophie Chandler as Mamma Morton, outwardly friendly and supportive but, not a lady you want to get on the wrong side of at all.
Jessica Birtwistle excels with operatic tones as reporter Mary Sunshine and the ensemble cast comprised of Elle Knowles, Hannah Kilroy, Jo Murphy, Sarah Haines, Vic Lou Addis, Gavin Whichello and Simon Peacock make the utmost of the space they have, particularly watch for the Cell Block Tango number as that is optimum use of space and performers.
Sarah Haines not only part of the cast but, also Director/Choreographer and Karl Steele (Musical Director) have created an exceptional production here, increasing the long list of pieces that have been a 'smash hit' at the Old Joint Stock, so don't care about cashmere coats or diamond rings, instead buy a ticket for this brilliant interpretation of Chicago.
Book Here
Entering to Joash Musundi's announcer/narrator role, every audience member is left in no doubt that they must turn everything (literally) off and keep their drinks to their own side of the table, anything creeping to the acting side is likely to be consumed without question.
Cassie Wooldridge is a defiant, sultry and totally engaging Roxie Hart, perhaps a little more intense than the character is regularly played but, that only makes her more engaging and leaves one wondering whether to love her, hate her or perhaps equal mixtures of both.
Conversely Alanna Boden's powerful and intoxicating Velma Kelly leaves no doubt as to what she wants (or expects) and frankly doesn't care whether anybody likes it or not, that forthright approach has its own strangely likeable qualities and whilst both Velma and Roxie are fundamentally criminals it's hard not find them lovable as individuals.
Dean Bayliss is a confident and vocally outstanding Billy Flynn, both Roxie and Velma think they can charm him but, this lawyer isn't for charming and you either follow his rules or you don't get the benefit of his considerable persona. Is he really in it for the $5000 or as the song tells us does he really only care about 'Love', I'll wager it's purely for the money.
Whilst Roxie is friendly with many males she is married to one as well, Lloyd Scarsbrook is a suitably downtrodden and overlooked (or should I say 'looked through' if the lyrics of Mr Cellophane are anything to go by) Amos Hart, always looking to please his wife even though he knows she cares very little for him other than his ability to financially support her.
Keeping all the 'chickies in her pen' as happy as it's possible to be when they are accused of murder is the imposing presence and booming vocals of Sophie Chandler as Mamma Morton, outwardly friendly and supportive but, not a lady you want to get on the wrong side of at all.
Jessica Birtwistle excels with operatic tones as reporter Mary Sunshine and the ensemble cast comprised of Elle Knowles, Hannah Kilroy, Jo Murphy, Sarah Haines, Vic Lou Addis, Gavin Whichello and Simon Peacock make the utmost of the space they have, particularly watch for the Cell Block Tango number as that is optimum use of space and performers.
Sarah Haines not only part of the cast but, also Director/Choreographer and Karl Steele (Musical Director) have created an exceptional production here, increasing the long list of pieces that have been a 'smash hit' at the Old Joint Stock, so don't care about cashmere coats or diamond rings, instead buy a ticket for this brilliant interpretation of Chicago.
Book Here
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