Loyola's Evergreen Players perform Broadway musical Chicago
Alexandra Kahrer
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: Arts & Society
Roxie becomes Billy Flynn's main client, leaving Velma in the dust. Roxie's press conference with Billy turns into a ventriloquist number, "We Both Reached for the Gun," as Billy speaks for Roxie and manipulates the press. The dancers moved around like ventriloquist dummies with Roxie sitting on Billy Flynn's lap acting as his dummy. The choreography was creative and it was the most unique number in the musical. It also highlighted Rees' great vocal talent.
Brad Thistlethwaite, '12, played the sympathetic and impressionable reporter, Mary Sunshine, who is introduced to us at Roxie's press conference. Thistlethwaite's vocal range was demonstrated in the song, "A Little Bit of Good." His ability to hit really high notes kept the audience entertained.
As Roxie's fame continues to rise and she and Billy Flynn work on their "performance" for the trial, a Chicago socialite, "Go to Hell" Kitty, played by Amanda Mikhail, '11, murders her husband and the two women he finds him in bed with. Mikhail runs through the audience while kicking and cursing at all the reporters, as well as shouting at members of the audience. Her case becomes the next big thing, leaving Roxie in the dust. However, Roxie thinks quickly and decides to pretend she is pregnant in order to get more publicity for her case.
Amos believes that Roxie really is pregnant and tries to get her attention, which leads into his solo, "Mr. Cellophane." In this number, Ryan nails Amos' simple speech and sings about how everyone walks all over him. When it's finally time for Roxie's trial, Billy Flynn convinces the jury that she is not guilty. Immediately after the verdict is announced, another murder takes place outside the courtroom, causing the reporters to rush outside. Roxie's case is old news.
Roxie is devastated that her publicity is gone: "They didn't even want my picture!" She teams up with Velma in a double act, "Nowadays," which ends with the rest of the cast joining in and cheering on the two women during their final dance number.
The most exciting part about Loyola's Chicago was that the cast always looked like they were enjoying themselves throughout the whole performance. The choreography was impressive and the entire cast had great vocal abilities.
Brad Thistlethwaite, '12, played the sympathetic and impressionable reporter, Mary Sunshine, who is introduced to us at Roxie's press conference. Thistlethwaite's vocal range was demonstrated in the song, "A Little Bit of Good." His ability to hit really high notes kept the audience entertained.
As Roxie's fame continues to rise and she and Billy Flynn work on their "performance" for the trial, a Chicago socialite, "Go to Hell" Kitty, played by Amanda Mikhail, '11, murders her husband and the two women he finds him in bed with. Mikhail runs through the audience while kicking and cursing at all the reporters, as well as shouting at members of the audience. Her case becomes the next big thing, leaving Roxie in the dust. However, Roxie thinks quickly and decides to pretend she is pregnant in order to get more publicity for her case.
Amos believes that Roxie really is pregnant and tries to get her attention, which leads into his solo, "Mr. Cellophane." In this number, Ryan nails Amos' simple speech and sings about how everyone walks all over him. When it's finally time for Roxie's trial, Billy Flynn convinces the jury that she is not guilty. Immediately after the verdict is announced, another murder takes place outside the courtroom, causing the reporters to rush outside. Roxie's case is old news.
Roxie is devastated that her publicity is gone: "They didn't even want my picture!" She teams up with Velma in a double act, "Nowadays," which ends with the rest of the cast joining in and cheering on the two women during their final dance number.
The most exciting part about Loyola's Chicago was that the cast always looked like they were enjoying themselves throughout the whole performance. The choreography was impressive and the entire cast had great vocal abilities.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Chicago Fan
posted 11/09/09 @ 12:01 PM EST
Nothing about the music or musicians/orchestra on stage? The whole cast did a wonderful job, as well as the musicians. Very entertaining and the musical direction and performance couldn't have been any better. (Continued…)
Chicago "Fan"
posted 11/20/09 @ 1:20 PM EST
I am a huge fan of the play Chicago, having seen it on Broadway and watching the movie constantly. Knowing that Loyola's rendition cannot possibly stand up to either, I went with the sole hope of enjoying myself. (Continued…)
Hazed Audience Member
posted 11/20/09 @ 1:30 PM EST
I completely agree with Chicago "Fan." We must have been in the same audience that night! I found the play to be hilarious, but not for anything else than the ridiculous "acting" by some of the characters. (Continued…)
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