Review: 'Chicago' at Providence Performing Arts Center Re-creates a Classic

Fosse choreography, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander make "Chicago" a fun musical to watch. There are no splashy set pieces, just two women who shot their husbands and their celebrity lawyer, who wants fame as much as he wants their money.

Velma Kelly (Taylor Lane) is a vaudevillian who caught her husband cheating on her with her sister, and killed them both; she has pled not guilty. Billy Flynn (Connor Sullivan) is her lawyer, and is grooming Kelly to do a show in a big venue based on her criminal "celebrity" status. That is, until Roxy Hart (Ellie Roddy) shoots her lover and covers it up by saying he broke into the apartment she shared with her husband, Amos (Andrew Metzger). Roxy literally steals Velma's spotlight in the news.

Flynn agrees to groom Hart the same way he was helping Kelley, and while in prison the matron "Mama" (Illeana "illy" Kirven) makes some serious cash herself by taking the girls' money and promising them favors. As the inevitable trial becomes imminent, we get more of that Fosse magic peppered with memorable songs, including "All That Jazz" and "Cell Block Tango." This musical, which is returning for one weekend in Providence, won six Tonys, two Olivier awards, and a Grammy. Originally debuting on Broadway in 1975, it closed after 936 performances, with Fosse directing. His style is forever linked with the show; the choreography is unmistakable, and truly fascinating in its technical brilliance.

This production at the Providence Performing Arts Center, running May 2 - 4, re-creates Fosse's original choreography, thanks to Gregory Butler, and direction, thanks to David Hyslop. Both have captured the show's eclectic jazzy styling, and it's one cheer after another following each of the show stoppers, like "Roxie" and "Hot Honey Rag." You might come for the music and the dance, but both Lane and Roddy are truly committed to their roles, and both are a treat to see. Sullivan belts out his tunes with a sassy style that drips crooked lawyer, and he's chewing all of the scenery.

Kirven is clearly enjoying every minute of her songs "When You're Good to Mama" and "Nowadays," which she humorously sings with Kelly. Metzger, meantime, makes the most out of his role as the weak Amos with a humorous performance.

With a strong supporting company, this show has all of the things you come to see musical theater for.

"Chicago" plays May 2-4 at the Providence Performing Arts Center. For tickets and more information, follow this link.