The Arkansas Repertory Theatre opened its 43rd season with “Chicago” to an audience buzzing both audibly and visibly with anticipation. With the first few notes of “All That Jazz” from the on-stage, tuxedoed band, the show was off with a non-stop flash of fringe, sequins and, of course, murder.
The story centers around 1920s Chicago, a city obsessed with the next big scandal, and Roxie Hart (understudy Madeleine Corliss stepping in for an injured Adriana Milbrath) murdering her boyfriend is it. We follow stardom-hungry Roxie as she and her slick lawyer Billy Flynn (Christopher Johnstone) work around her husband Amos (Matt Allen) and rival Velma Kelly (Daisy Hobbs) to keep her name in the headlines and her head off the chopping block, so to speak.
To say this show razzle-dazzles is an understatement. Director and choreographer Ron Hutchins takes the show back to its vaudeville roots, and with hypnotic success. The savvy and sultry dance ensemble paired with designer Trish Clark’s glimmering costumes and Mike Nichols’ two-story set design make for a visual playground with room to romp.
Hobbs and Corliss — each carrying the weight of not only iconic roles, but leading The Rep’s comeback show — step their silver heels into the spotlight and deliver show-stopping performances indicative of the triple-threat performers they are.
Throughout the performance, audience members caught themselves humming along, dancing in their seats, even cheering before hit songs like “Cell Block Tango” began. And if you can tear your eyes away from the six merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail, you’ll notice just about every woman in the audience moving her shoulders ever-so-slightly to the angsty, female power anthem.
When we sat down with Hutchins and some of the cast before the show, he held the responsibility of spearheading The Rep’s return with dignity and confidence.
“My job is to make sure Little Rock knows its hard work was not in vain,” Hutchins said. “People busted their butts for this theater. We are part of this community whether we’re residents or not. It’s a vibrant community, and we’re committed to keeping it that way. We’re not going to let you down.”
And dear reader, they did not.
“Chicago” runs through March 24. For showtimes and more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit The Rep’s website. You can also call (501) 378-0405 or visit the theater’s box office downtown at 601 Main St.