Chicago: The Musical - Original Cast (CD 1997)

Chicago is a tricky show to have a good or bad opinion on because it so often takes the middle path. There are critics to rave the music and then there are others who shunt it. So I have a mixed view on this show. The show is about a women named Roxy who commits a murder. She Kills a man and all of a sudden she is the talk of the town. The women in this show all become famous, movie star famous by committing a murder. There is a wonderful number in the begging of the show a tango about the women who commit these crimes, they say "they had it coming all along." by they, their talking about their husbands.

Somehow with the late Bob fosse as the choreographer they manage to turn a murder crime into a vaudeville show act. Yet the fact that the show has very plain costumes and virtually no set adds to the time period of which this show takes place anywhere from the 30' or 40's. The music is very big band like. Mostly Jazz. With girls in low skirts and guys in tuxedos it adds an erie effect to that a murder could be a good thing. There are many diverse roles in this show, such as a cross dresser who you do not find out is a man until the end. I remember him being played by a very talented actor named Daniel Levine, who is not one of the ensemble members in the reveal of Jesus Christ Super Star.

The music is great for those of you who enjoy the jazz mixed in with theater. Intact the opening number is called All That Jazz. Bebe Newerth was is the one on the album I believe. She was on cheers when she was younger and who knew she had such an amazing vocal ability. The music is very laid back at time and very up tempo at time it is a big contrast. This show also delivers some stuff that I wouldn't think a child would want to see or should see, but that's up to the parents. The score is very up tempo and flashy, it's gered a lot twords adults. You could love the sountrack or hate it. This is just one of those shows where you will have to check it out. If you like jazzy broaway you withh enjoy this. It is an interesting blend of style. It's a fun soundtrack to listen to. It is All that jazz.