The Theatre At The Mill is lit up in the iconic red and black that has become synonymous with classic musical Chicago. A video clip kicks things off filmed in what looks like the Crumlin Road Gaol, and it sets the tone for the luxurious production of one of my favourite musicals.
Set in the legendary city during the roaring “jazz hot” 20s, Chicago tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses Roxie and Velma, locked up in Cook County Jail.
Adding directing duties to James Huish’s already full range of skills seems like a slightly unfair allocation of talents for one man to have. However, his direction here is fully on display and gives the show a sure-handed feeling.
With choreography by broadway legend Phil LaDuca the whole production is designed to let the cast from the James Huish Academy, shine. And shine they do – to an incredibly high standard. If this is the future of theatre in Northern Ireland then we’re in very good hands.
The cast blast through the hits with precision, with songs like “All that jazz”, “Roxie” and “Mr Cellophane” sounding as good as I’ve ever heard them. To complete complex dance numbers with such a large cast, whilst staying on note throughout is no mean feat. The stage looks a million dollars (or $5,000 as Billy Flynn would say) with set design and lighting working to create the desired atmosphere and iconic silhouettes that we’ve come to expect from Chicago.
Putting on a classical musical like Chicago might seem like a tall order for non-seasoned professionals but it’s one that they have pulled off, and then some. The standing ovation given at the end of the performance was rightly deserved, and they didn’t even need to point a Tommy gun to get it!
Chicago is on at Theatre At The Mill until 24th Aug. Tickets available here.
