Chicago at the Palace Theatre
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Sassy, sexy and packed with show-stopping numbers, Chicago the Musical makes a dazzling return to Manchester’s Palace Theatre.
Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy, Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history. Since the shimmy-shaking show first opened in New York in 1996, it has played in 38 countries and has been performed in twelve different languages. Moreover, it is estimated to have been seen by around 34 million people worldwide.
Image courtesy of Tristram Kenton.
Step into the Roaring Twenties and prepare to be razzle-dazzled. For those who aren’t familiar with the plot – Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her lover when he attempts to end their affair. In a desperate bid to avoid conviction, she tricks everyone – including the media and her rival cellmate, vaudeville star Velma Kelly – by hiring Chicago’s slickest lawyer, Billy Flynn. Cut-throat and seductive, both women then compete for the services of Flynn, who transforms their malicious crimes into a media circus of sensational headlines – promising them stardom and acquittals.
The all-star cast has been recently been announced with stage and soap star Faye Brookes taking on Roxie Hart, and much-loved performer and TV personality Brenda Edwards stepping into the the role of Mama Morton. They will be joined by Strictly Come Dancing favourite Kevin Clifton as Billy Flynn.
Created by the musical talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and the legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, the show boasts some phenomenal musical numbers like ‘Razzle Dazzle’, ‘Cell Block Tango’ and of course, ‘All That Jazz’.
So dig out those sequins and get those jazz hands ready, Chicago is coming to Manchester.
