The Milwaukee Post

April 28, 2017 • Milwaukee County Post • 15 ENTERTAINMENT Two female leads shine brightly in Milwaukee Jeremy Daniel Dylis Croman as Roxie Hart is one of "Chicago's" two outstanding female leads in the Marcus Center's Broadway series show that runs through Sunday. 'Chicago' packs a bunch of superlatives By JULIE MCHALE Post Theater Critic MILWAUKEE — When the Tony-winning "Chicago" opens with the orchestra prominently on stage and "All That Jazz" explodes with its funky Bob Fosse choreography and the electric voice of Terra C. MacLeod as Velma Kelly, we sense immediately that we're in for a dazzling show. That one number makes "Chicago" worthwhile. There are other strong tunes in the show, but that one surpasses them all. Underneath the glamour and glitz, we sense that maybe there's a little satiric note in regard to our justice system, our obsession with violence and corruption, our glorification of celebri- ty, and the sleazy headlines that follow, but all that is subservient to the glitter and sparkle of the show. Just watching the athletic skill of the dancers and lis- tening to the vibrant, pounding harmonies of the orchestra, who enhanced the magnetism of the two leads — Dylis Croman as Roxie Hart and the afore- mentioned MacLeod — was enough to keep us enthralled no matter what else Fosse, lyricist Fred Ebb and composer John Kander were trying to say. Where do you find two women who can dance and sing with such singular talent? Apparently they do exist because here they are! Eddie George as Billy Flynn got his moment in the spotlight when he came on stage as his football fans acknowledged his dual career, but he was no match for the two female leads. He is adequate but nothing spectacular. He does not exude power and presence as one must do in this very exaggerated drama. Another character who is a bit disappointing is Roz Ryan as Mama Morton, the corrupt jail warden. She displays the required gruff- ness and underhandedness, but she had some pitch problems. One character who got his due, at least from the audi- ence, was Amos, the cello- phane man, Roxie's pitiful but lovable husband. He proved again that everyone loves an underdog. Paul Vogt did well in the role. C. Newcomer's operatic flair as Mary Sunshine is quite amusing in itself but became even more so later in the show. Several other numbers that deserve mention include "Roxie," "Mister Cellophane" and "Class." The final number featuring the two powerhouse leads, "Hot Honey Rag," is beauti- fully executed. Music Director Rob Bowman was fun to watch and choreographer David Bushman deserves a lot of credit for the dance num- bers. Director David Hyslop also deserves mention for putting together all the ele- ments. There were a few sound problems near the end of Tuesday's show, but I'm sure they will be reme- died. Opening night often suffers a few glitches. If you've never taken advantage of these Broadway shows that come our way, this might be an apt introduction. "Chicago" The musical runs through Sunday, with two perform- ances on Saturday and Sunday. It is part of the Broadway series at the Marcus Center, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Call 414-273-7206 or visit MarcusCenter.org. At a glance Milwaukee Rep to sell off props, costumes Saturday MILWAUKEE — Did you ever want red satin drapes that would have made Liberace proud? Or you have an outfit that cries out — or brays — for a donkey head- piece? Maybe your rec room calls out for a working bumper car. These are items up for grabs at the Milwaukee Rep Prop and Costume Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the paint shop at the Milwaukee Rep Theater, 108 E. Wells St. In the above examples, the props were used in, respec- tively, "Liberace," "Man of La Mancha" and "Assassins." An audio console, drape swag from "A Flea in Her Ear" and a canoe book shelf from "The Foreigner" are a few more items for sale. There just isn't any more room in the paint shop, so the Rep's hav- ing a spring cleaning sale. It's cash or check only, and sales are final. All purchased items, sold "as is," must be removed from The Rep by 2 p.m. April 29. Whether it's for home décor or for an upcoming play, there are plenty of items, including plenty of items from past productions of "A Christmas Carol." Any questions? Call the Rep's props department at 414-290-5354.

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