The raunchy theatrical potency of “Chicago the Musical” owes its enduring appeal to the signature genius of its original choreographer Bob Fosse, whose jazzy style became the blueprint for all future productions, as well as Kander and Ebb’s smash hit collaborative score.

Strangely enough the original production in 1975 wasn’t the success it is today. Revived in 1995 by Walter Bobbie and the late great Ann Reinking in the style of Fosse (all those finger snaps!) the show became an overnight hit on Broadway, leading to the 2003 Oscar winning movie and productions in over 30 different countries.

Someone who was lucky enough to have seen the original on Broadway was David Gresham, a legend in the SA music business, who with his wife Ilya attended the opening night of the latest production of Chicago at the Teatro in Johannesburg.

The theatre was packed and many present had seen the first SA production at the Joburg Theatre in 2005 when legends of the South African stage Amra-Fay Wright and Samantha Peo both played charismatic killers Valma Kelly and Roxie Hart.

Special mentions

• This time Samantha took the role of Valma and she and Kiruna-Lind Devar made a splendid combo, particularly in the finale with The Hot Honey Rag.
• My all time favourite “Cell Block Tango” was performed by the Merry Murderesses (our old friends Pop, Six, Squish, Cicero, Uh Uh and Lipschitz). The female members of the audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy the fate of some of the husbands.
• Matron Mama Morton Tankiso Mambolo did an amazing rendition of “When You’re Good to Mama”, with real full bodied bel canto – or is it can belto?

She got a hearty round of applause. Remember, when you’re good to Mama, Mama’s good to you!

• Jonathan Roxmouth was in fine fettle as sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn surrounded by supplicants for his services and feather fans reminiscent of 60s strippers. I even preferred him to Richard Gere in the role, especially when it came to “We Both Reached for the Gun”.
• Loveable Ferdinand w Gernandt played Fred Casely and his “Mister Cellophane” was an absolute joy.
• In these days of politically correct pronouns it was no surprise when Miss Mary Sunshine, played by ME Marvey, was a surprise package in the longstanding tradition of stage productions of Chicago. My lips are sealed – you will have to see the show!

Among the audience enjoying the wonderful performances, minimalist set, stark lighting, jazz hands, and stripped-down skin in sheer shimmy outfits evoking the 20s, were Brian Heathfield and Timothy Moloi, thespians Emmanuel Castis and Reno Spanoudes, and the Miss Earth girls Ella Bella and Catherine Constantinides.

All in all, the show was just what was promised, a heady cocktail of “murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery”, with some unforgettable song and dance numbers. True showbiz at its best!

• The show run has been extended to 16 November