2007-09-09
Louise and I attended the preview of the musical Chicago on Det Ny Teater on September 8, 2007. Although none of us liked the movie from 2002 particularly, or enjoy jazzy 20s music normally, we still felt greatly entertained after the two and a half hour long show
First of all - if you go to the theatre to experience grand sceneries, numerous costume changes and special effects - Chicago isn't for you. On the contrary, the number of costume changes is kept at an aboslute minimum, and a number of the actors even play several characters, without changing outfits in-between. The reduced orchestra, which sits on a platform on-stage, mostly consists of horns. What keeps the showing going is the lively music and the almost constant dancing acts, supplemented by a number of good acting performances.
Best of all was the debutant, 25-years old Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, who is fresh out of the actors academy. She played the role of Roxie Hart, the deeply self-centered and egotistical night club singer Roxie Hart. Hjort Sørensen this evening really shone this night, with a great charisma, well-choreographed dancing and beautiful singing. And, in my opinion, she hits Roxie's personality spot on.
Not quite on her level was Julie Steincke, who last year had great success as Ulla i The Producers, also on Det Ny Teater. Her performance was basically quite good, but her interpretation of the also murder-charged night club singer Velma Kelly lacked a bit of arrogance to be entirely convincing. Julie and Birgitte both danced quite well during the show, and was in sync with the other dancers - just not in their concluding joint act. If that is a intentional choice, I can't say.
The male lead as lawyer Billy Flynn was represented by always reliable Peter Jorde, who has had a number of leads on Det Ny Teater in recent years. Louise and I have previously seen him as the beast in Beauty and the Beast, and as the phantom in Phantom of the Opera. He has yet to disappoint us, and he didn't do it this evening either.
Pernille Højmark played the part of Matron "Mama" Morton decently, but perhaps a bit indifferently. I personally missed a bit of edge in her portrayal of the strong woman of the prison; in this version she rather resembled the very mother hen which she ironically refers to in "When you're good to Mama", than the something-for-something type which the rest of the song is all about.
Jesper Asholt was a 100% believable Amos Hart, the pathetic, shy and near invisible husband of Roxie. His main song Mr. Cellephone was performed with just the right combination of shyness, frustration and wretchesness.
The rest of the ensemble each portrayed a number of minor parts, which they did well. There primary job was to dance and create the surroundings for the main storyline, which was accomplished.
The show was performed in Danish, and some of the translations were right out embarassing, but all in all it worked well.
A good, solid and entertaining show, characterized by good acting, great dancers and an orchestra led to an A+ by band leader Peder Kragerup. I, at least, am happy that Louise and I spent the 300 DKR per person to attend the preview of this fall's show at Det Ny Teater.