Chicago

   Wow!

            It's not often that you walk out of a community theater show saying that. With all the shows I've seen over the years, I could probably count the number of occasions on one hand.

            Now that I've seen the Community Players performance of "Chicago," I've got another to add to the list.

            From the simple yet effective stage design to the lighting to the musicians to the performers themselves, this is a terrific production.

            "Chicago" tells the story of Roxie Hart, an adulteress charged with murdering her lover. While in prison, she meets Velma Kelly, the hottest homicidal celebrity on the block. She killed her boyfriend and her sister in a jealous rage, and now she's the toast of Chicago.

            "It's based on events that happened back in the 20's," says director Greg Geer. "These women became famous for killing their husbands and boyfriends." He points out that 30 years ago, when "Chicago" debuted, the show was considered cynical. "Now we've got this constant parade of people who are famous just for being infamous. It's pretty amusing that the show itself was 30 years ahead of its time."

            There's plenty of singing and dancing in the show, and a fair amount of dark humor as well. With very rare exceptions, the set and the costumes are gray tones, tending toward black. I liked seeing the tuxedo-clad band (ably led by the hobbled Ron Procopio) sitting at the top of the three-tiered stage, and especially enjoyed the flying cell bars to remind us that most of the show takes place inside a women's detention facility.

            The ensemble dancing is fine - choreographer Marjorie Santos' hard work pays off nicely. But the success of this show rests on the music.

            Dale Magnuson as prison matron Mama Morton delivers a knock-out punch with "When You're Good to Mama," and scores again with "Class," her duet with Velma.      Gregory Jon Bonin is powerful as smarmy defense attorney Billy Flynn. For $5000, he can deliver you an acquittal, regardless of the facts of your case. He knocks one out of the park with "Razzle Dazzle."

            Taryn Mallard-Reid is terrific as Velma Kelly, the murderess who's banking on a huge vaudeville payoff after her planned acquittal. From the moment she opens her mouth with the show's opener, "All That Jazz," through to the finale, Mallard-Reid is captivating.

            Jennifer Mischley is equally captivating as Roxie Hart. In addition to another powerhouse voice, she's got a nice touch for comedy, which she shows off in "We Both Reached For The Gun" and "Me and My Baby."

          Don't miss this one. And prepare to be wowed.

The Community Players
Chicago ( April 4 - 20, 2008)
Jenks Jr. HS Auditorium
Pawtucket, RI

(401) 726-6860