“The Sharpest, Slickest Show on the Block” Opens in Canberra

One of Australia’s favourite musicals, Chicago, opened at the Canberra Theatre Centre this weekend, the first time a professional production of the Broadway classic has played in Australia’s national capital. The final city in its Australian tour, “The sharpest, slickest show on the block” (The Times UK) plays from 7 to 29 September.

The longest-running show currently playing on Broadway, this scorching hot masterpiece includes a dazzling score that includes “All That Jazz”, “Cell Block Tango” and “Razzle Dazzle”. Created by the musical theatre talents of John Kander, Fred Ebb and legendary choreographer Bob Fosse, it’s no wonder Chicago has been honoured with six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy®.

“I’m thrilled that our new production of Chicago is heading to Canberra,” said producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “Chicago has everything that people love about a Broadway musical – a story of fame, fortune and all that jazz, one show-stopping number after another and the most amazing dancing you’ve ever seen. It has received rave reviews and sold-out performances across the country, so it’s Canberra’s turn to enjoy the razzle dazzle of this New York institution.”

The star-studded cast includes one of Australian theatre’s greatest leading men, Anthony Warlow, as cunning lawyer Billy Flynn; one of Australia’s favourite actors, Zoë Ventoura, as Velma Kelly ; musical theatre star Lucy Maunder as Roxie Hart; Peter Rowsthorn as Roxie’s gullible husband Amos; and Asabi Goodman as tough prison warden Matron ‘Mama’ Morton.

“Chicago packs enough heat to fire up an entire cell block … Magnificent … The most fun you’ll ever have being locked up” – Adelaide Advertiser 

Set amidst the decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer Billy Flynn to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery, treachery… and All That Jazz. What else could you desire in a musical? The original and the best, Chicago is back. It would be a crime to miss it!

Chicago will be at Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra, 7-29 September. Tickets are on sale from $69.90. Visit chicagomusical.com.au to book now.

Zoë Ventoura and ensemble All That Jazz CHICAGO (c) Jeff Busby