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“Chicago’s plot was cynical and satirical in 1975, but today feels like a documentary.” So says Walter Bobbie, the director responsible for this revival of the Kander, Ebb, and Fosse “musical vaudeville,” which began as a minimalist concert staging for New York City Center’s Encore! series before moving on to Broadway, critical acclaim, and Tony Awards. Actually, it’d be hard to go wrong with any production, no matter how it’s staged, because the Roaring ’20s jazz-based musi… More >>
March 30th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
I found it shocking that music like this could ever become so popular. Saw the show on broadway, finding it very distasteful and wondering how low American popular culture can get in its taste and class.
Rating: 1 / 5
March 30th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
I was introduced to this exceptional musical thanks to the incredible film version currently in theatres… I purchased this to hear the cut songs… which are interesting – but it really isn’t worth it.
This wreck features the worst vocals i have ever heard on a CAST RECORDING. The chorus is a joke. This stands out on the destroyed “Cell Block Tango” amongst other group numbers. As Velma, Bebe is a cute novelty – she’s just okay. As Roxie – Anne Reinking is tragic – she destroys the show, and at the age of at least 90 Joel Grey is a pathetic choice for Roxie’s husband. Stay far away from this album (just download the cut songs) and purchase the beautiful Chicago FILM soundtrack!
Rating: 1 / 5
March 30th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
Bebe’s version of All That Jazz would have to be the most boring and soulless version I have heard, slow and sung in an almost mono tone voice, her Velma seems like a piece of shtick especially during I Can’t Do It Alone, she delivers the lines so pathetically. Have a listen to Chita Rivera or even Catherine Zeta-Jones performing this role and you’ll get an idea of how it should sound.
Anne Reinking really surprised me, having only seen her in All That Jazz I thought her voice and acting were good, but she sounds horrible on this, even Gwen Verdon with her ailing voice sounds better on the 1975 original, every time Anne talks it is so forced and strained.
The orchestra and chorus singers sound as bland as the leading ladies.
Joel Grey was great in Cabaret (although I prefer Alan Cumming) but was miscast as Amos, he doesn’t sound like he even knows how to play the part.
As for James Naughton, he is passable but again sounds dull.
There is no excitement, no thrill, none of the sensuality, outrageousness and wickedness heard in the original or the recent movie. I would buy it for the extra songs not available on the 1975 original or the movie soundtrack.
Rating: 1 / 5
March 30th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
As a thirteen-year-old who has seen Chicago performed professionally twice, I think it is safe to say that I know a hell of a lot about this musical. Don’t be decieved by my age. Here is my review of the Broadway revival cast recording.
1)Overture – 10/10 – This beautiful piece of music sets the mood perfectly. One of my favorites on the CD.
2)All That Jazz – 8/10 – The orchestrations are exciting but Bebe Neuwirth is… shmeh! Her vocals are really lacking. I much prefer Chita Rivera’s version on the OBC recording.
3)Funny Honey – 4/10 – One of the worst performances on the album. Ann Reinking’s voice sounds like a cat in a meat grinder. She must have smoked five packs of cigs a day for the past thirty years. However, the strings are pretty.
4)Cell Block Tango – 10/10 – One word: fabulous.
5)When You’re Good To Mama – 8/10 – Marcia Lewis is perfect as the Matron but the orchestra sounds a bit off to me… Not enough “umph”, so to speak.
Gotta run! sorry I couldn’t finish! This is a MUST HAVE for any broadway fan!
Rating: 4 / 5
March 31st, 2010 at 12:43 am
After listening to this soundtrack, I thought one thing. That is that the dancing in this show must be amazing because the singing sure isn’t. Just goes to show that much like movies today, broadway is willing to award accolades based on production values rather than content. I believe that it is vitally important that Ann Reinking pass on the Fosse style to another generation of dancers, but whoever is letting her sing should be shot!
Bebe Newirth is fantastic as always, but after hearing her on other recordings, one has to wonder whether the affectations she uses to make her voice sound ‘sexy’ are helping or hindering the cause.
If your looking for great singing and a tuneful broadway score try Candide (1997), Sideshow (1997), or even Titanic (1997). These are all feast for the ears…..Chicago is merely an appetizer.
Rating: 2 / 5