As the season is ending at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, I was very happy to be able to see one more play, the musical Chicago. I saw a different production many years ago in Regina, Saskatchewan and of course, I’ve seen the movie a number of times so I knew it should be a very entertaining show. It did not disappoint!
Chicago was the one musical in the lineup this season (2022) and it has been playing at the main Festival Theatre. With 13 numbers in the first act (Cell Block Tango being a particular favourite of mine) and 10 in the second act, it was non-stop except for the enthusiastic applause which caused breaks a number of times during the afternoon matinee and the house was packed. I met up with a friend to see the show and she had contemplated bringing her husband and teenagers along but was glad she hadn’t as she knew their kids would have been uncomfortable sitting with us and watching some of the suggestive dance moves. It didn’t bother the various high school groups that were in the audience but they weren’t sitting with their parents.
My friend is a Scot Dance Canada teacher and judge and was very impressed with the choreography and overall performance. Wish I had their energy!
It was also nice to see the festival gardens in the fall with all the trees changing colours.