Chicago

WAAPA’s graduating Musical Theatre students presented their final full length production – a beautifully polished version of Kander and Ebb’s Chicago – a show that Musical Director David King describes as “ideal for a performing arts school”.

This production very much embodies Chicago’s subtitle, “a musical vaudeville”, in a show that is very consciously vaudevillian. Ashley King’s striking set design features a stage within the stage, with backstage areas visible. The vaudevillian influenced moments in the show are played very explicitly as vaudeville ‘turns’.

Excellent performances abound, as we have come to expect from this year group. Leading ladies, Roxie and Velma, are played with tangible antagonism and superb teamwork by Kelsi Boyden and Jenna Curren, bringing solid skills to these iconic roles.

Laura Jackson was very impressive as Matron ‘Mama’ Morton, capping a trifecta of superb performances this year.

The Merry Murderesses were, without exception, excellent, with Mackenzie Dunn, Sarah Brideson, Meg McKibbin, Monique Warren, and Daisy Valerio (with Jenna Curren), delivering a wonderful version of ‘Cell Block Tango’ – complete with acrobatic pole dancing.

Lucy Ross steals the stage during her brief stint as Go-To-Hell-Kitty, with Chloe Bremner nicely rounding off the female ensemble.

Lovely contrasts in the principal men, with Finn Alexander a wonderfully understated Amos Hart and David Cuny clearly enjoying the showmanship of Billy Flynn. Tom Gustard brought a brilliant falsetto to Mary Sunshine and Nick Errol was a strong Fred Casely.

Joshua White, Tom New, Luke Haberecht, Benjamin Colley, Cameron Steens and Bailey Dunnage brought high energy and invested performances to a number of small roles.

Michael Ralph’s choreography is clever, innovative and expertly executed, with some lovely surprises.

Costume Designer Eilish Campbell brings a look that honours the ‘lingerie’ tradition of Chicago, but is also true to the era and is deliberately a homage to vaudeville – a lovely aid to Crispin Taylor’s strong directorial choice.

Lighting, as designed by Matthew Glew is strongly and deliberately ‘theatrical’, with elements of fun and some bold choices.

This sold-out production is a fitting farewell to this cohort – an excellent show which showcases some wonderful emerging talent.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Jon Green