Glamazons,
Christmas came early to my inbox this year. The great folks at Chicago Musical invited me to see the show last weekend. You may not know this but I’m obsessed with musicals and LOVED Chicago. I saw it on Broadway once before, and my sister and I watch the movie obsessively. We know every word, dance, chord change, you name it.
I knew I had to bring my sister with me to see the musical this time around, which stars Nene Leakes as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton. I know what you’re thinking: can Nene even act? I can assure you she held her own and fit right in with the award-winning cast.
Here are three reasons it’s worth seeing (and would make the perfect ‘experience’ gift for Christmas!):
1. Nene as ‘Mama Morton’
Watching Nene Leakes in her theatrical element, I couldn’t help but feel proud having witnessed her trajectory from reality TV diva to Broadway star. Of course, she’s not a singer by trade so she didn’t belt out “When You’re Good To Mama” with the powerhouse vocals of a Carol Woods or even Queen Latifah. But she added her own unique flair to the song to great effect. Nene shined most in a beautiful duet between Mama Morton and Thelma Kelly called “Class.” Of course, the acting is where Nene truly thrived. The former Real Housewives of Atlanta diva has an over-the-top personality, and it fares well on Broadway. She brought attitude, humor and boldness to Mama’s character, and I have to say I was impressed.
2. The Phenomenal Cast
My sister and I were floored by some of the incredible performances we witnessed at the small Ambassador theater on Broadway. Bianca Marroquin was outstanding as the deceptively charming Roxie Hart. Marroquin won the audience over with her hilarious (and wonderfully-acted) performance of “Roxie.”
When international stage sensation Terra C. MacLeod took the stage as Velma Kelly, you couldn’t help but be enraptured by her every move. But it’s Jason Danieley‘s performance as the sleazy yet suave Billy Flynn I loved most. In his iconic “All I Care About” performance, he held a note so long the audience erupted in applause.
3. The Story
I saw two productions inspired by Chicago this week: Chicago Musical and Chiraq, the Spike Lee-directed movie currently in theaters. Both offer a satirical take on corrupt administration. I’m still wrapping my head around Chiraq (more on this later) but Chicago Musical is a brilliant satire of the justice system and the media. It draws on the glitz and glamour of the 20s to drive home an important point: court cases shouldn’t be glamorous! They’re not fodder for our entertainment.
It helps that the choreography (originally conceived by Bob Fosse), music (John Kander) and lyrics (Fred Ebb) are all exceptional. Friday’s show was expertly directed by Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Ann Reinking. I also loved the set and costume design (the work of John Lee Beatty and William Ivey Long respectively). Seriously, I wanted to wear all of Roxie Hart’s costumes out that night! Honorable mention goes to the orchestra conducted by Leslie Stifelman. Performers like Nene and Bianca (Roxie) interacted with the orchestra in creative ways. And the music was outstanding.
I would go see it again if I could! If you want to see Nene in Chicago Musical, head here for tickets before her run ends on December 20th. It’s the perfect early Christmas gift.
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
Images: Seto McCoy; Jeremy Daniel for Chicago The Musical
