“Chicago is Full of Razzle Dazzle”

By Andrea Krejci Paradis
Contributing Writer

Did you find yourself following every minute of the O.J. Simpson trial? Or have you been glued to the Casey Anthony case? If you answered “yes” to either or those questions, or if you are disgusted that the questions could even be asked, then you need to see Music Theatre Fargo-Moorhead’s production of Chicago. “[Chicago is] about the spin of the media on crime and politics and how it takes really ugly messages and turns them around into spectacular,” actress Kathryn Hanson said. “No press is bad!”

First opening on Broadway in 1975, Bob Fosse’s Chicago was actually based on the true story of two murderesses from the 1920s. Clearly American’s obsession with scandal is not new. The show centers on Velma Kelly (Hanson), an up-and-coming performer whose fame is cut short when she murders both her husband and sister when she discovers them romantically entwined. When she finds herself thrown into prison, she meets Roxy Hart (Ellery Tofte), who has similarly offed her man. In steps the debonair Billy Flynn (Craig A. Ellingson), a seasoned and corrupt lawyer who has no qualms using smoke, mirrors, and sparkle to present his guilty clients in a non-guilty light. Claiming their 15 minutes of fame, Velma and Roxy use razzle dazzle to win the hearts of the people and subsequently attempt to get off scotch-free. The characters sing and dance their way through press junkets, cross-examinations, and directly into the limelight. Sound familiar?

In its sixth season, Music Theatre Fargo-Moorhead’s Chicago is the company’s largest cast to date. With fifteen men and women on stage, you will be able to experience even more of this company’s high standard of performance from both MTFM veterans and newcomers. “It’s been very fun expanding the numbers and…we have such a wide range of people,” said Ellingson, a professor of theatre at MSUM and one of the founding members of MTFM. And a wide range it is. On stage you will see a Direct TV representative, choir directors, college professors, an assistant cruise director, as well as college students. “In our initial creation of the group we wanted to stay adults because high school kids have plenty of experiences… but with [Chicago] we have expanded into some college aged students for the ensemble,” Ellingson said.
And it is evident the college students are carrying their weight. 23-year-old Katherine Paynter plays Matron “Mama” Morton, the women’s warden who helps both Velma and Roxy rise to stardom. Right away, Paynter knew she had some big shoes to fill. “At first I was a little intimidated because most of the women who play this role are actually in their 30s to 50s…I’ve made her sassy and sexy and still age appropriate to myself.” A first time member of the MTFM company, Paynter has learned a considerable amount from the returning company members. “It’s been really interesting to work with these people that I’ve seen on stage and that I’ve admired as an actress.” In a performance of “All that Jazz”, Hanson belts out the lead, yet the ensemble does not get pushed into the background by any means. Each actor and actress on stage brings his or her own sass and seduction to create a full picture. “It’s such an ensemble show,” Paynter said. “It’s a show where everyone needs to hold each other up and if one person falls the whole show will fall.”

You may be preparing to compare the stage version of Chicago to the popular 2005 film starring Renee Zellweger; however, it would be prudent to realize that although the story and music are the same, you will most likely have a different experience when watching live actors. According to director Jennifer Thomas, the stage version offers more than the film. “[Film] can do fast cuts, they can do fancy editing that live theatre can’t. But we also have the ability to reach out and touch the audience…There’s a very strong connection to the audience.” A theatre professor at Concordia College, Thomas (also a first-timer in the MTFM company) has been blown away with the wide range of talent Fargo has to offer. “It’s a great company to support,” Thomas said. “There’s a lot of theatre in town and MTFM is really working to be that professional company that produces musicals. There’s some great talent in this show from top to bottom: they can sing and dance and it’s just a wonderful group of people.”

Consider catching Music Theatre Fargo-Moorhead’s production of Chicago. Transfer yourself back to the 1920s where pop culture was…basically the same as today. The courtroom waltz may look similar but this satire will sing and dance its way into your heart.

Tickets are still available and students can even get a deal by rushing for $5 tickets before each show. To purchase, call the Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre at (701) 235-6778.

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INFO BOX
WHAT: Music Theatre Fargo Moorhead presents Chicago
WHERE: Fargo Moorhead Community Theatre, (701) 235-6778
WHEN: Sept. 8-10 and 15-17 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.
COST: $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors, $10 for Students, with $5 Student rush before each show. Recommended for those 13 and older