Chicago, the Musical!

By Noel Smith

Cabrillo Stage has again brought Broadway quality performances and staging to Aptos delighting local audiences. Maybe it’s the weather or perhaps its reputation for quality productions but Chicago meets all expectations for great dancing singing and acting.

Giving it her leggy and jubilant all with her dancing and singing was Jessica Whittemore whose performance was outstanding as Velma, who always seemed to be playing catch up to Roxie’s brazenness. Roxie played by Danielle Williams as the sly, self-absorbed murderess who is trying to parlay her crime into celebrity sang and danced her marvelously through the musical. David Jackson as Billy gave a great performance as the smarmy, slimy lawyer who promises the impossible and somehow manages to bend the system and public opinion to his will.

All the supporting characters were impressive with Danny Dwaine Wells II as the all-knowing and controlling Mama Morton the prison matron, Dave Leon as Amos the gullible and loyal husband of Roxie, C Reynolds as May Sunshine the reporter always looking on the bright side. Guiding us through the action and from scene to scene was the MC played by Nick Rodrigues

The magic of live theater compared to film is how much talent it takes for performers to provide great performances in such a limited space and time. It’s like a newspaper, there are no do-overs; what you see is what you get and the audience got superb performances from everyone who appeared on that stage including the ensemble and orchestra.

Director Janie Scott has provided us with a wonderfully choreographed Vaudeville show wrapped around a story that shows how celebrity and public opinion can color perception and even engender outcomes. As the ensemble sings and dances “All the Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle” you will really get a Kick when you see the musical, Chicago.

Chicago is produced by Cabrillo Stage and is playing in the Crocker Theater, Cabrillo College through July 10.

For tickets: Crocker Theater Box Office 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos CA 95003. Phone: 831-479-6154, Hours Of Operation: Thursday through Saturday from 12 – 6 p.m. Online Tickets: www.cabrillostage.com/ticketsindividual

 Captions:

All That Jazz with Jessica Whittemore

Jessica Whittemore as Velma, Danny Dwaine Wells II as Mama Morton & Danielle Williams as Roxie

David Jackson as (Billy) with ensemble

Jessica Whittemore as Velma

Danielle Williams as Roxie, David Jackson as Billy & Jessica Whittemore as Velma