OCR Text |
Show -------------------~•••1MP1Ah 1Afl~------------------- ARTS &LEISU lHEIBUNDERBIRD · SOUTHERNUfAHUNIVERSITY· MONDAY, FEBRUARY I, 1993 • PAGE 8 'Chicago' etnbodies razzle-dazzle and is charmingly risque BY BROOKLYN BUNKER Thunderbird Sr.aff Writer The era of the 1920s, complete with the swingers, booze, and jazz seems to be a distant part of the past; a period which none of us can relate to in view of our modem surroundings. But a~r seeing Chicago, some of my opinions have changed. Chicago brings to life the era, brimming with excitement and intrigue, heralding show-biz at its roots. SU theatre's production of Chicago embodies the carefree spirit and the ~razzle-danl " showmansh ip that characterized this decade, especially in the bustle and glitter of Chicago. Directed by Fred Adams, this musical vaudeville is spectacularly done in every aspect , Chicago is entertaining, well acted, and even charmingly risque. A defi nite asser is the live jazz music accompanying the musical numbers and the more dramatic scenes-the score is swanky and sultry and slithers right along the storyline. The musicians even bag a few good laughs as various characters demand ~My exit music, please!" l found the use of an acrual o rchest@ very refreshing and relevant to the musical scene of the ti me, besides the fact that they sounded perfectly sassy and jazzy. The player in Chicago were impeccably chosen; each a delightful character study. Roxie Qennifer Minster) sitzles in the lead as the headstrong and cunning ex-chorine who murders her lover and is sent to prison, where she calculates how to use her notoriety to get back into vaudeville. Velma (G ayle Staffanson) i a fellow inmate and murderess whose fume is eclipsed by Roxie's antics. The "mother hen" of the prison, Mama Matron Morron, is hilariously played by Stacy Nix in all of her crude and rough-tallcin' glory. And Brian Vaughn as Billy sreals the show as the slippery lawyer who defends Roxie and Velma. Recognition should also be given to the chorus for their roles as prisoners, dancers and the press. Chicago impressed me with the dancing as well. As Roxie and Velma envision themselves as showgirls, they perform a ]enn'1 Minster, Brian Vaughn and Ga'JU: Sr.a/fan.son perform in SU's production of 'Chicago.' variety of fleet-footed numbers--a,erything from tap to swing. All of the other players whirl about in a glittery frenzy, fluid and confident The show is highlighted by spectacular costumes. Rappers parade with bobbed hair and clunky shoes, their dresses spangled with sequins. The female prisoners sport corny black-and-white striped dresses, a wildly funny touch. The sets are not elaborate, but every prop is utiliied to th.e full cxtJ!nt quite cleverly. The lighting is appropriate in that it magnifies the show-biz •razzte-0.anle" of the play. E.ach character faces the spotlight a number of times, and during the complete musical numbers the stage lights are bright and glaring, highlighting the glitter and gala of the costumes and sets. But the Lighting can be subtle as well-the eerie blue tint at the beginning of the play set the mood for the murder which is to take place. I enjoyed the performance tremendously- my only complaint was that at times the orchestra was a bit too loud, but chis is a minor consideration. Some viewers may find the few profane words and suggestive comments offensive, but I chink they contribute to the feeling of the performance and to the persona of the characters. The whole madcap show moves at a speedy pace, a farce and a feast for all the sen ses. Chicago is the best play I've seen so far at SU, so it natu rally follows that I encourage everyone to go see it Tickets are available at the box office of the Auditorium , and the show takes place in the Randall Jones Theatre. Performances continue Thursday through Satu rday at 8 p.m. Chicago, complete with lively orchestra, entertaining songs, and great dancing, is a t:errific way to experience a flashback. Darin's Mechanical Complete Auto Repair and Service Mechanic on call 24-hours • Needlework Framing • Linen for Cross Stitch Projects •The N ew & Superior Anchor Floss • Cross Stitch Classes •Cross Stitch Books and Supplies Times: Mon.-Wed;l0:00 - 3:00 pm Thurs;l0:00 - 7:00 pm 10 % OFF WITH CURRENT STUDENT. I.D. 2480 W. 400 N. Cedar City 1 Mile west of Holiday Inn, Hwy. 56 I I mile west of Holiday Inn on Hwy 56 586-2700 865-0766 I ( t |