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Review: Chicago // Crossroads Live


Get ready to experience All That Jazz in Crossroads Live's production of Chicago at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre! This delectable production is a stunning recreation of the world-renowned Bob Fosse's original show based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins. 

Every element of this production was cool and calculated, from the sultry costume design to the impressive lighting, the creative team has clearly worked hard to create this fantastic story. Most of this production is a recreation of the Broadway version giving Australia its very own slice of New York, and Crossroads Live's production lives up to the big white way. 

Technical elements were stunning, utilisng patterned lights to create the jail cell, visitors room, and murder the lighting design really helped the audience to understand the setting and place in this bare staged production. In terms of set design, it was minimal, all the action happened in front of a massive bandstand (where the band actually was!) and only utilised small props and the classic black chairs. 

The incomparable Anthony Warlow played the suave lawyer Billy Flynn with confidence and an insurmountable stage presence. Warlow is an extremely accomplished and seasoned professional and a true highlight of this production. Zoe Ventoura as Velma Kelly was hard-hitting and sassy as hell, Ventoura's rendition of the opening number, All That Jazz, was enough to have the audience whooping with thunderous applause. Lucy Maunder as the merry murderess Roxie Hart was impeccable, their manipulative acting had the audience in the palm of their hand the entire production, even till the last moment when the audience wanted her to get away with murder!

Peter Rowsthorn as the invisible man, Amos Hart, was loving and adorable. It was impossible to not fall in love with Rowsthorn's character as they portrayed Amos with heart and soul. Rounding out this production was Asabi Goodman as Matron 'Mama' Morton, Goodman is an incredible vocalist commanding the stage during the famous When You're Good to Mama which brought the entire house down. Goodman is an absolute star and we're excited to see where she goes!

Overall, Chicago is a fantastic night out in Brisbane City showcasing the best of the best when it comes to Australian theatre. Chicago runs until February 4th at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre before touring to Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide. Don't miss out on this stellar production, book your Brisbane tickets HERE


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  1. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2024 at 2:14 PM

    Was a beautiful staging of this classic - completely agree with you! Sharon :) :)

    ReplyDelete

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