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‘Chicago’ Takes Center Stage at UT |
| By
Kimyette Finley |
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Aug 15, 2002 |
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| Cast members from Chicago |
There is much to love about the UT department of theatre and film and the Toledo Repertoire Theatre’s joint production of the musical “Chicago.”
The plot is set in the Windy City during the late '20s in the days of flappers, the Charleston and speakeasies. Showgirl Roxie Hart (UT theatre graduate Kyra Morris) shoots her lover and ends up in jail, where she meets Velma Kelly (Cindy Eberhardt), another chorus girl who, coincidentally, is charged with the murders of her husband and sister. Velma is enjoying the limelight as the subject of all media attention, but when Roxie comes along she is suddenly yesterday's news. The two women also battle for the attention of a lawyer named Billy Flynn.
Morris and Eberhardt dazzle the audience as Roxie and Velma, respectively. The two play off each other well during joint numbers such as “My Own Best Friend” and shine on individual songs.
The show also is a hit because of the supporting cast. Roxie’s husband (Ryan Mahaffey), the shady lawyer Flynn (Mark Ely), the female prisoners and the press covering the trial keep the show moving with rousing song and dance numbers.
The sexual tension and jokes are fresh and funny without being vulgar. The staging is simple, yet effective with chairs, prison bars and props such as masks that double as the courtroom jury. Sitting in the audience is like being at an actual vaudeville act, especially since there is an announcer introducing the scenes.
“Chicago” runs at UT’s Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre Aug. 15-18 and 22-25. Ticket prices are $20. Faculty, staff and students will receive $2 off by showing UT I.D.
To order tickets, call the Toledo Rep at 419.243.9277.
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