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Even if you have already seen the 2002 blockbuster film adaptation of Chicago , we’re giving you ten reasons to watch the hit musical in Manila.
Set in the 1920’s, the story revolves around Roxy Heart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murdered her unfaithful lover. To avoid conviction, Heart hires a smooth criminal lawyer who transformed her into a celebrity criminal to win public support.
Based on the book of Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, the hit musical features music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, sound design by Scott Lehrer, set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by William Ivey Long, and lighting design by Ken Billington.
Running from December 2 to 21 at the newly opened “The Theater” at Solaire Resort and Casino in Paranaque, the award-winning musical is presented by VISA and Smart Infinity.
1. Chicago will headline the newly-opened theatre in Solaire
Lunchbox Theatrical Productions CEO James Cundall revealed that Chicago is the first theatrical production that will be showcased at the new theatre in Solaire. In an interview, he said: “What’s really exciting is that we’ll be in the new Solaire Theater so it will be the first musical in this brand new theater in the Philippines.”
2. First Time in Manila
Chicago has never been staged locally so watching its debut in Manila will be a year-end treat for people looking to jazz up their holidays.
3. Longest Running American Musical
With over 7,300 performances in a span of 15 years, the hit musical is considered as the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.
4. Award-winning Musical
The winner of six Tony awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Choreography in 1997, Chicago also managed to snatch the Laurence Olivier Award Outstanding Musical Production and a Grammy Award that same year.
5. Movie adaptation is also Award-Winning
The mainstream Hollywood version of the broadway musical was also recognised by various award-giving bodies including Academy Award Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Zeta-Jones for the portrayal of Velma. Meanwhile, Richard Gere earned the Best Actor nod from the Golden Globes for playing the role of the cunning lawyer of Roxie.
6. Great Reviews
Described by Times UK as the “sharpest, slickest show on the block”, and a “triumph” by Times magazine, Chicago definitely got thumbs up from its audiences and critics.
7. Superb Cast
Although we are more familiar with Hollywood actresses Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones portraying the roles of Roxie Heart and Velma Kelly, respectively , the star power and talent of Terra MacLeod and Bianca Marroquin in the broadway-version promise nothing but stellar performances.
8. Powerful Music, Slick Choreography
The broadway musical which popularised songs such as All That Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, Cell Block Tango, Mr. Cellophane and Nowadays combines powerful music with slick choreography guaranteed to capture the hearts of its audience.
9. Based on Real-life
The timeless tale of murder, deception, greed, violence and adultery is actually based on real life. In the 1920’s, a number of women were acquitted for the murder of their husbands and lovers most likely because they are beautiful and the trial juries were predominantly men. The sensationalised trials involving these women inspired the story of Chicago.
10. World-class
Chicago has been showcased not only in the West end but also in Asia, Australia, Europe, South Africa, and South America.
