Chicago: A Story That Can't Be Done Alone by Nafisa Ahmed

When you think about driving to Minneapolis right now, it’s scary. I’ll be honest, I didn't feel completely comfortable making my way to Minneapolis to watch Chicago (Running January 22nd - February 1st), but there's a good reason it's currently the longest-running American musical on Broadway. In today's age of stress and turmoil, one thing should always be remarked for hope and inspiration: art. Chicago’s a show that highlights the flashy lives of performance girls and their aspirations to make it big; however, it also exposes the flaws in the criminal justice system at the time. You will no doubt enjoy Chicago — fun and catchy — but ringing a clear message about the empowerment of trust.

Chicago begins with “All That Jazz”, leaving no room for debate about the talent of who played Velma Kelly, Claire Marshall. Hints of blue lighting build a melancholy atmosphere, combined with Marshall's somber vocals that have a beautiful tone; it's hard not to understand why she was such a successful performer — before her crime, of course. The characterization of Velma through exaggerated body language, in which she throws herself over chairs, and facial expressions, was a masterful way to communicate her descent as a new murderess stole her spotlight.

New murderess, Roxie Hart, rocks not only the Chicago prison but the Orpheum theatre, too. In her introductory number, “Funny Honey”, we can immediately see she has what it takes to be a star. Playing her is Ellie Roddy, who has charisma for days as she sings about her not-so-faithful actions in the sweetest voice. Her charm never stops coming out; in fact, bedazzling the public to feed her satisfaction.

Two beautifully talented and skilled women, with back-to-back songs that show their skill. What more could they need? Well, Chicago showcases how the trust you put in other people can jeopardize your entire life, but also make it anew. When a story about women putting on their dancing shoes shifts into an elaborate game of making the public trust them, only for the system and society to turn their backs, solace can be found right where you started. When I watched Roddy and Marshall perform separately, it was undoubtedly amazing. However, when I watched them together, I truly understood their love. I understood their love for being an artist, for the production itself, and that makes me love what I'm watching. When the world had turned its back on Velma and Roxie, the performers also turned their backs to each other.

This begs the question: should you see Chicago? If you're able to, yes. This cast and crew put so much effort into this production, and it's abundantly clear when looking at their faces or the articulation of the designs. Art, especially art with so much passion behind it, is more important now than ever before. So, nowadays, get out and go see a musical. Chicago might just be the perfect one.