All That Chat - Chicago's Starry Night

HOME ALL THAT CHAT ATC WEST COAST SHOPPIN' RUSH BOARD FAQS

LOGIN REGISTER SEARCH FLAT MODE

not logged in

Chicago's Starry Night

Posted by:	matineeladdy 11:40 pm EST 11/23/14

My 21st time at this Broadway classic, and if it turns out to be the last, at least my final memories will be among the best. From the first row, I felt like I was onstage, which tonight was the best place to be, with the current cast "supplemented" by four of the original stars of the revival. James Naughton took over for Christopher Fitzgerald for "The Press Conference Rag;" Joel Grey finished the "Mr. Cellophane" for the current Amos, and, most memorably, Ann Reinking and Bebe Neuworth performed "Nowadays" while allowing Bianca Marroquin and Amra-Faye Wright to close with "Hot Honey Rag." The performances blended seamlessly, and the electricity in the house when the originals took over was stunning. I've never seen or felt an audience as pumped as this one. Ann and Bebe got a standing ovation even before they started to perform. Curtain speeches by the Weisslers and Walter Bobbie, and a pre-show appearance by John Kander added to the fun and the excitement. I spotted the original Fred (and later Billy) Michael Berresse in the audience. I wish he'd been included in the onstage lineup as well, along with Marilu Henner, who first replaced Ann Reinking early in the run, I believe. All in all, it was a Chicago-lover's dream of an evening, as this musical surpasses Cats to become the second-longest in Broadway history.

reply \|

Previous:	re: HONEYMOON IN VEGAS - TDF seat this Wednesday - lowwriter 11:52 am EST 11/24/14
Next:	Francis Patrelle to be honored with Kaatsbaan "Playing Field” Award - lisamt 10:34 pm EST 11/23/14

Thread:

All That Chat is intended for the discussion of theatre news and opinion
subject to the terms and conditions of the Terms of Service. (Please take all off-topic discussion to private email.)