By: Paige Fitzpatrick, Haddonfield Memorial High School
WINSLOW TWP. NJ — And all that jazz! Winslow Township High School’s production of “Chicago” brought this iconic show to life with stellar performances, sharp choreography, and technical elements that transported the audience to the legendary Cook County Jail.
“Chicago” was adapted into a musical from the 1926 play of the same name. The original run of the show opened on Broadway in 1975 and closed a year later. “Chicago” was revived in 1996, winning six Tony Awards including Best Revival, and is currently the longest-running show on Broadway, as well as the longest-running Broadway revival of all time. The 2002 movie adaptation won six Oscars, including Best Picture. “Chicago” tells the story of Roxie Hart, an aspiring star, and Velma Kelly, a vaudeville performer, who both find fame while awaiting trial for the murders of their lovers, satirizing the “celebrity” of criminals.
To call “Chicago” an iconic musical is an understatement. With distinctive choreography “in the style of Bob Fosse,” countless triple threat roles, and an ensemble that breathes haunting life into the show, performing “Chicago” by a high school is no easy feat, and yet Winslow certainly rose to the challenge.
The leading ladies of the show, Rilissa Mazzeo (Roxie) and Aleesia Charles (Velma) were standouts from beginning to end. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, Charles commanded every eye in the audience with her confident and restrained stage presence, as well as powerful vocals in numbers like “All That Jazz,” and sharp dancing in numbers like “I Can’t Do It Alone.” Her counterpart, Mazzeo, was an absolute vocal powerhouse whose clear, sultry tone fit perfectly with the music of “Chicago.” Similarly, her dancing and physicality were incredibly impressive, especially in “We Both Reached For The Gun,” during which she mimicked a marionette with animated, comical facial expressions. When these two shared the stage, their voices blended perfectly, and their energetic dance finale, the Hot Honey Rag, was the perfect finale to two stellar performances.
The supporting cast was equally as impressive. Bryant Deshields as conniving lawyer Billy Flynn had a charismatic and charming stage presence that perfectly suited his character. “The Merry Murderesses,” led by dance captain Hannah Velez, both entranced and terrified with their sharp dancing and ferocious declarations that “he had it coming” during “Cell Block Tango.” Lastly, as Roxie’s husband Amos, Deklan Monroe won the audience’s sympathy with his vocals and acting choices during “Mr. Cellophane.” The ensemble, a major presence throughout the show, had strong energy and background vocals during full-cast numbers such as “Me and My Baby.” Occasionally in some of the slower moments, like “All That Jazz,” their energy seemed to lag. Overall, the cast of “Chicago” gave strong performances across the board.
Technically, the show was equally impressive. The costumes for the ensemble especially stood out, switching between the iconic black minimalist outfits that have defined “Chicago,” and period-accurate looks for the courtroom scene. The minimalist set was impressively transformed from a jail cell to a courtroom to a nightclub throughout the course of the show, and illuminated by bold and colorful lighting.
Winslow’s performance of “Chicago” was a clean, original performance that left the audience razzle-dazzled!
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