Critical Review at Hennepin Arts

     Chicago, the musical originally choreographed and directed by Bob Fosse in 1975, is best known through its 1996 Broadway revival, which has become the second-longest-running Broadway show. The tour that I attended was based on this revival, and its longevity is clearly well earned. This production seamlessly blends Fosse’s phenomenally sharp, stylized choreography with the jazz infused score by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb to create a sleek, high-energy celebration of fame, scandal, and showbiz. Despite its minimalist approach, Chicago remains bold, endlessly entertaining and strikingly relevant even decades after its debut. With iconic musical numbers such as “All That Jazz,” “The Cell Block Tango,” and “Razzle Dazzle,” it’s no surprise that Chicago’s 1996 revival has received six Tony awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy. From the opening notes of “All That Jazz,” I was pulled headfirst into Chicago’ s smoky, morally ambiguous world. In songs like...

  Sexy. Sparkling. Superficial. Chicago’s high profile 1920s cabaret is offering murder, style, and all that jazz to Minneapolis audiences through February 1. Showcasing Bob Fosse’s inspired choreography while following the trials of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, this show has enjoyed a Broadway run length second only to Phantom of the Opera, becoming synonymous with its most prevalent theme: fame. But amid its miles of mistimed humor, soulless performances, and hit-or-miss ensemble cohesion, I spent my entire night debating whether this tour was a work of pure genius, or simply limping along on the prestige of its marquee.  In truth, Chicago did accomplish everything it advertised. Cynicism practically dripped off every inch of this stage with each one-liner or raunchy look, especially during its darkest moments. Each piece performed by a principal cast member remained consistently captivating (shoutout Ellie Roddy’s 10-minute masterpiece “Roxie”). while, not to be outdone, ...

The touring production of Chicago arrived at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis with a long and rich history behind it. First premiering on Broadway in 1975, Chicago was later revived in 1996, becoming one of the longest-running American musicals of all time. Known for its iconic Fosse choreography and jazzy score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the show has cemented itself as a classic of musical theatre. With simple black costumes designed by William Ivey Long, a stripped-down set designed by John Lee Beatty, and the orchestra visible on stage, this production leaned heavily into the minimalistic style the revival is famous for. While this approach honors the original concept, it also places pressure on the performers to carry the show through personality, precision, and presence alone. Overall, while the production had moments of strengths, it ultimately felt underwhelming.  The standout performer of the show was undeniably Claire Marshall as Velma Kelly. From the moment she stepp...