Chicago in London

   My expectations for the musical were very high as I had heard that the musical had been playing in the West End for over ten years. When I stepped into the Cambridge Theatre, near seven dials, I realized how small the theatre was. After watching the movie, and reading the reviews, I expected a theatre at least the size as the Savoy Theatre.  Further, it seemed even smaller because the audience was very small; my group was moved to the floor seats since the balcony level was not in use.

              

               As soon as the lights dimmed and the play started I had forgotten about the audience size. The musical exceeded my expectations. I found it to be a very refreshing performance that I had not expected. After seeing the movie, I expected something very similar with tricks, bright lights, and dramatic scenery depicting the glamorous ideals of Chicago. However, it was quite the opposite with a very simple set design. In fact, the setting consisted only of a ladder, lights, and chairs. I do not know why I had expected elaborate sets, but this simplicity worked perfectly. I enjoyed the play more than the movie because it was so basic. The way the musical used the extras was really interesting. They would change roles without warning and the audience was left to imagine the new scenery.  With only a few hints from the narrator, the place and location of each scene was left solely to the audience imagination.

                Even the costumes surprised me. I had expected glittering and extravagant costumes, but the costumes consisted of tights, leotards, and simple black outfits.  The entire artistic vision gave the audience just enough to envision Chicago during the time, but not enough to force a story. One could really focus on the singing and exceptional dancers.  The only other focal point was that of the orchestra that stood center stage.  While the audience imagined the scenery it was also another interesting place to look. Typically the orchestra would seem out of place being on stage, but because of the nature of Chicago it really worked.  I tried to find whether the decision to move the orchestra on stage was an economic decision or one strictly made for the London West End performance, but unfortunately I was unsuccessful. Regardless, this interesting and simplistic artistic vision for Chicago really made the musical interesting.  

Karissa Suchil

KSuchil@ucla.edu