The Arts / Reviews

Despite distractions, musical’s a nice trip to ‘Chicago’

By David Burke | Wednesday, August 06, 2008 | () comments

In its summer season finale, the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre gives us a reminder just how good the musical “Chicago” is.

From the John Kander-Fred Ebb score to the Bob Fosse-inspired choreography to the flesh-baring costumes, it’s one of the rare times outside a national tour when theatergoers can see the show this summer.

And save the biggest applause for its co-directors, who also have major presences onstage.

Meghan Hakes is stunning as Velma Kelly, the jaded vaudevillian-turned-prisoner, and Craig A. Miller garners laughs and sympathy as the schlub whose wife (Lori “Ladi” Dansby) is on trial for the murder of her paramour.

Behind the scenes, they create an eminently watchable, creative and fast-paced show, even for those who have worn out their DVD of the 2003 Oscar-winning musical. There are nice touches — including adding the men in question to the narrative of “Cell Block Tango” and playing the song “Class” with all the irony it deserves — that delight even those of us who have seen several versions of “Chicago.”

I wish I could have been as enthralled by Dansby’s performance as Roxie Hart. The Houston actress has the musical pipes and enthusiasm to carry off the part, but she maintains a constant level of sass in the role — never showing naivete or drawing any sympathy.

There are plenty of other fine performances, including the omnipresent Joshua Estrada as suave and razzle-dazzly lawyer Billy Flynn, Christina Stroup as voluptuous jailhouse matron Mama Morton and Zachary Borja in what I only hope is intentionally horrible lip-synching as do-gooder reporter Mary Sunshine.

True to the 1996 “Chicago” revival (whose tour came to the Adler Theatre in Davenport during April 2007 with Tom Wopat as Flynn), the orchestra pit is center stage. Here, even bandleader Adam Wiggins is part of the act, serving as the narrator as well as directing a solid eight-piece group while playing keyboards himself.

A small stage is above the orchestra while much of the action plays out around them. From a majority of the skimpy costumes to the stage itself, everything is in black.

That, and a general lack of lighting, is detrimental to the production as faces and bodies are lost without a more definite spotlight. A figurative and literal light isn’t as important in a darker show such as Showboat’s previous effort, “Sweeney Todd,” but the more show-bizzy “Chicago” positively cries out for one.

Despite the few distractions, be assured in knowing that the best trip you can take to “Chicago” is in Clinton, Iowa.

IF YOU GO

What: “Chicago”

When: Through Aug. 17; performances at 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 3:30 p.m. Sundays and Wednesdays

Where: Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, Clinton

How much: $18 adults, $12 youth 13-18 years, $9 for 12 years and younger

Information: (563) 242-6760 or ClintonShowboat.org on the Web

David Burke can be contacted at (563) 383-2400 or dburke@qctimes.com. Comment on this review at qctimes.com.