SPECIAL SNEAK PEAK OF MULTI-AWARD
WINNING MUSICAL `CHICAGO'
By Guest Celebrity Correspondent
SCOTT RADBURN, of The Four Kinsmen
DATE: Thursday, August 22, 2019
LOCATION: Capitol Theatre, Campbell Street, Haymarket (Sydney)
G'DAY EVERYONE ... Scotty Radburn here. It was 11.30am and I have just jumped off the train at Central Station Sydney and am now walking on my way towards the gorgeous iconic historical Capital Theatre to meet my beautiful wife Cheryl.
Chicago features top stars including Casey Donovan, Alinta Chidzey, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Tom Burlinson. Photo by SCOTT RADBURN
Very excited that in half an hour Cheryl and I would be treated to a wonderful sneak preview of one of our favourite musicals Chicago at 11.45am.
I met up with my wife and I could see that she was just as excited as myself to be part of the approx 60 strong media gathering of journalists , TV presenters, radio commentators and camera crews.
At midday a representative of the theatre addressed the contingent of waiting people and explained what was about to happen and then we were ushered into the theatre and asked to take a seat.
Journalists and presenters took their seats as film and camera crews strategically set up for their best view of the performance about to happen.
When you see a group of about 30 to 40 cameras lining up you know that this is going to be something special … a huge event.
Professional cameras worth thousands of dollars everywhere ready to roll and me? ... well ... I looked the part with my trusty Iphone X mobile ready to take a pic or two.
While the cameras were being set up the Chicago orchestra patiently waited, ready to go on stage in full view of us all!
Famous producer John Frost seated amongst us stood up and welcomed us all to the preview and explained that he produced another version of this show 10 years ago and that it was a hit then but it will be even more powerful, poignant and popular in today's latest reincarnation.
He said this cast has worked extremely hard and what he is particularly knocked out about is that as we will soon see it is extremely tight and slick!
Co producer Suzanne Jones (with a very warm and charming personality) then took over and outlined the next half an hour of performance.
She said the cast and orchestra would perform four numbers (twice each) from the show so the media would have a preview for setting up film and photo opportunities.
In between each number she would interview and have a question and answer with the four leading cast members individually.
The leads being Alinta Chidzey as Velma, Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Roxy, Tom Burlinson as Billy Flynn and Casey Donovan as Mama Morton.
The stage manager appeared and asked "were we all set to go?"
When all were ready the orchestra fired up, lighting framed the stage then our senses were treated to a fabulous performance by Tom Burlinson singing "All I Care about Is Love!" accompanied by the very accomplished female ensemble of dancers.
Brilliant effects add to the excitement of Chicago on stage. Photo by SCOTT RADBURN
Tom was suave, charming yet, as per the character of Billy, quite flirtatious and cheeky with the audience including an occasional wink or two.
The next 3 performances were brilliant from Natalie singing "Roxy" with male dancers, Casey blew me away with her performance and powerful voice singing "When You're Good to Mama!" and Alinta performing the iconic showstopper of the show "All That Jazz" with the ensemble.
Listening to all 4 leads (who have all had great success as solo performers nationally) during the question and answer, it was clearly evident that they humbly acknowledge that they are just a part of a unique collaboration of a very talented cast, a cast that is united together in delivering a fantastic show and experience to the audience.
They all said they were having a ball together and loved the response from the preview audiences (3 previews with 3 standing ovations). Can’t get any better than that!
To sum up, after the media call over lunch at the Thai restaurant adjacent to the Capital, Cheryl and I both said this show is going to be a hit ... it's hot, sexy, raunchy, slick, sassy and extremely entertaining!
Congratulations and bravo to the cast, crew ,orchestra, creative's and the producers in what looks to be a sensational show.
I can't wait to see the whole show and "All That Jazz!".....see you there!
PS: All the best for the entire Australian Tour...you deserve it!
For full details on the production of Chicago and its talented cast go to http://onwiththeshow.com.au/tickets-on-sale-today-for-chicago/
The full cast of Chicago on stage at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney. Photo by SCOTT RADBURN
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August 25, 2019
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