(From left) Yasmin Ravard, Nathan Loveless and Kimberly Bates will perform in “Chicago” at the Robinson Theatre.
The Bob Fosse-inspired choreography. The sexy costumes. Songs such as “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle.” There’s no mistaking the musical “Chicago.” And this month, Eugeneans will get a taste of Broadway when the acclaimed production makes its debut at the Robinson Theatre.
Set in the Roaring ’20s, “Chicago” tells the story of Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who kills her faithless husband. Acting as her own defense, with the help of lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie is acquitted of murder. During the public spectacle, both Roxie and another murderess on death row, Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, each hoping the publicity will catapult them to fame, freedom and successful stage careers.
“Chicago” was written by celebrated playwrights Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse. Music is composed by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb.
The musical fantasy is being staged by the University Theatre and the University School of Music. Directed by theater Associate Professor Jack Watson, “Chicago” offers students working on the show an opportunity to tackle a large-scale production.
According to University Theatre Development Director Joseph Gilg, it’s one of the few times the University Theatre has worked so closely with the School of Music in producing a show.
The production boasts a six-piece musical combo directed by music Adjunct Assistant Professor Mark Kaczmarczyk. The combo will be on stage, not in the pit — integral to the visual dynamics of the show. According to Watson, “Chicago” has “a truly fine musical score that offers wonderful opportunities for the student performers.”
But bringing any show to the stage is a long process. “Chicago” is no exception.
The decision to produce “Chicago” was made last winter by a committee of students and faculty, with auditions held in May.
Gilg says bringing the award-winning show to the Robinson Theatre seemed timely.
“‘Chicago’ has been the hottest ticket in New York for five years,” Gilg said.
The production offered welcome challenges for costume designer Kristi Cocchiarella FitzGerald, a second-year master of fine arts candidate in costume design and a graduate teaching fellow in the theater department.
“It’s a huge show,” FitzGerald said. “It’s taught me a lot about collaboration and quick changes and character development through minimalistic approaches.”
FitzGerald received a bachelor of arts from Montana State University and worked on costumes for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. She was also assistant designer on the University production of “The Matchmaker” and designer on “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.”
She said it has been rewarding to work with a team of people who “never tire of working long hours and getting little sleep to get things done and seeing the finished product.”
FitzGerald spent the summer researching the show and meeting with Watson and choreographer Harmony Arnold to make sure the concepts were reaching expectations and ensuring the actors’ costumes were conducive to the expressive movement of the show.
Fellow master of fine arts student and set designer Steen Mitchell is also working with FitzGerald.
Debuting in 1975, “Chicago” was a successful but somewhat forgotten production until its revival in 1997, when it won six Tony Awards, and spawned a national tour. A film starring Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere and Catherine Zeta-Jones will be released this Christmas.
“Chicago” will play at 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 and Nov. 9, Nov. 14 to Nov. 16 and Nov. 22 and Nov. 23; and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Robinson Theatre in Villard Hall.
Contact the senior Pulse reporter at [email protected].