The cast of 20 was a well oiled singing and dancing machine - with this mostly music show, full of "Fosse-esque" dance and a lot of style, but not too bawdy for its youthful stars. The music was prerecorded orchestration for that "complete" sound - but that prerecording imposes a discipline for the cast to stay tethered to the recording, and I had the feeling they might have speeded up and had a little more momentum with live accompaniment.
All four leads were excellent, and are "veterans" even at their young ages: Emily Haddick, Gabrielle Disbrow, Philip Hart Franke and John-Weston Hart Franke - singing/dancing charmers, all. Mike Stewart designed the dramatic lighting, with footlights and side-shadow spotlights. The choreography was impressive, done by director Helen Hart, as well as John Hart Franke with help from Dance Instructor Danielle Cabule - and Traci Gibson was music director - produced and directed by Helen Hart and Daniel Southwell.
Chicago is a fun but cynical musical that casts a jaundiced eye on human nature -- with lots of humor, tongue-in-cheek pathos, and popular songs such as All That Jazz, Razzle Dazzle 'Em, Mr. Cellophane... and many more. Head out to Hannah Center tonight and support this group that raises funds for the families of fallen police officers.
www.bluelightplayers.com