Taking bows
After months of rehearsals and plenty of preparation, the work has paid off.
Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville is worthy of headlines and good notices following last weekend's Star Productions locally cast production of the smash hit musical, "Chicago."
Performances continue for just one more weekend, Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26.
This splashy full-scale regional production features a 20-piece on-stage orchestra that musically frames some worthy performances.
The three principals each hold their own during various moments of the show.
But Charlie Blum as flashy lawyer Billy Flynn and Tina Dohl-Menconi as Velma Kelly (both reprising their same strong stand-out performances in 2002 for a much smaller version of the musical at Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso) are in a league of their own. When Jenna Rose Underwood, who plays lipstick rival Roxie Hart, shares the stage, it's understandably hard for her to keep up with their electricity at times.
JJ Boylan who plays long-suffering husband Amos Hart is one of the most likeable and enjoyable personalities to grace the stage.
His delivery and timing are in perfect unison, and he gives one of the most confident "unconfident" performances I've ever seen for this role.
Directed by Kurt Gillins, "Chicago" reflects the musical's characteristic qualities of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery in a fast-paced show that doesn't disappoint.
The voices are strong and every song is celebrated, with Mary Jo Williamson's go-round as Matron Mama Morton a prime example of the talent on display for such a reasonable ticket price right in our own backyard.
But of course, the foundation of this particular musical are legendary choreographer Bob Fosse's signature dance moves.
And this group of go-getters, under the direction of choreographer Lyn Knight, with musical direction by Bill Woods, does that and more.
Knight created all-new choreography for the show, which was in rehearsals for the past six weeks.
Also of deserving note, Taylor Coleman, who plays furniture salesman-turned-fatality Fred Casely, was the most talented of the dancing cast.
This guy is a standout, even above and beyond his height. Behind his smile, when he's delivering lines, they hit the audience like bullets: loud, crisp and on target. That doesn't always happen when it's someone doing all of the dual duties he has to perform in this musical.
And on the subject of capable multitasking, Zach Muller is cut from much of the same cloth as Coleman, and his rendition of the one-man jury box steals the courtroom scene, which is exactly what should happen.
For the female ensemble, it was tough at times to concentrate on some of the top performances, primarily because the ladies were plagued by some serious microphone and sound problems.
In fact, rather than parading to the front for the seat I was assigned in Row B, I purposely sat all the way in the back row of the main floor for the first act.
From the outfield, I did not hear some of the singing, especially during the show-stopper "The Cell Block Tango."
Also, someone needs to give the lighting man, especially whoever's behind the spotlight, a couple cans of Red Bull to keep up with this cast, especially Blum.
Talk about a searchlight ...
At times, I actually noticed the performers during dance numbers trying to find the spotlight, rather than vice versa.
But this musical, which is two hours and 20 minutes including one intermission, will certainly leave audiences amazed by the region talent on stage and ready for their next moment in the limelight.
Friday and Saturday performances. Cost: $20 (mezzanine) and $25 (main floor). FYI: (219) 791-1234 or (312) 559-1212 or www.starplazatheatre.com.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.
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