Last Updated on April 10, 2024, 1:49 PM | Published: April 10, 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY — The national touring production of Chicago: The Musical makes its stop in OKC now through April 14th, 2024 at the Civic Center Music Hall.
The legendary musical by Fred Ebb, John Kander and Bob Fosse is a powerhouse of musical theater. The 1975 production includes some of the most recognizable numbers in the performing arts. Fosse’s choreography is second to none, and the stylized numbers are sultry and daring, even by today’s standards. The anniversary production of the original Tony-Award winning show tours with an all-new cast to bring this iconic show to life in 2024.
Loosely based on real cases from 1920s Chicago, when female criminals became overnight celebrities, Chicago recounts all the glitz and glamor that is show-business. While irreverent and satirical, Chicago manages to speak volumes to the lengths that some will go to while chasing the ever-elusive idea of fame.
The media night performance of the tour saw a strong turnout for a Tuesday night, and the audience was rapt from the curtain. There’s something about the opening number, “All that Jazz” that draws the crowd in and won’t let them go. Kailin Brown as Velma Kelly pulls this number off with charm and ease, taking hold of the audience and keeping them engaged throughout the night.
OKC-based performer/director Heath Jones spoke with Free Press about the show, having directed a local production in 2023. “I’d have to say my favorite character is Velma Kelly, (along with) the song ‘All That Jazz’.” Jones said. “I know it’s the opening number, but Velma and the ensemble have the challenge of setting the tone for the entire show. Chicago is all about the vibes, and Velma has the task of embodying it from the opening moments”.
Oklahoma City University alum Katie Frieden is Roxie Hart, the character upon which the plot hinges. Roxie dreams of being a showgirl with her own Vaudeville act, and when she murders her lover, she finally gets her chance at stardom. Frieden is graceful and strong, and as her star rises, the audience roots for her.
Chicago is nothing without the ensemble, and the cast of performers and dancers creates iconic, provocative musical numbers. “It is the supporting cast that brings this show truly to life,” Jones said. “They are the courtroom, the merry murderesses, the media, and the public… You can have strong performers playing Roxie and Velma, but they are nothing without an equally strong ensemble. Chicago is a true example of there being no small parts in theater; every part is busy, from curtain up to curtain down” Jones said.
Chicago is a show that has endured the test of time and continues to find relevance for modern viewers, even as our idea of fame changes. Before social media, anyone who could make the front page of the newspapers was an influencer. Those lucky few who commanded the spotlight, by however means necessary, became the stars of the day.
“We, as a public, are obsessed with people who do bad things… In the court of public opinion, entertainment is often valued far more than morality.”
— Heath Jones, performer and producer in OKC
“Kander and Ebb were playing with themes that are still relevant today, perhaps even more so than when the show first premiered (in 1975),” Jones said, adding “I don’t think any of us could have predicted the way reality TV and social media influencers would take over the entertainment industry. Roxie and Velma are perfect examples of this kind of fame. We, as a public, are obsessed with people who do bad things… In the court of public opinion, entertainment is often valued far more than morality. With this knowledge, (Chicago) can elevate these characters to stardom,” said Jones.
Chicago is truly glamorous and demands the question of the audience – how much is too much for the price of fame? It’s also a reminder of the sacrifices that are made to live out the American Dream, and a subtle message is sent about the way society views women. However you feel about this show, when you see it live, one thing is for certain. Above all, you’ll be thoroughly entertained.
The touring production of Chicago is here through April 14th. A select few tickets are still available and are expected to sell out. Visit okcbroadway.com for tickets and information.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.
