ALL THAT JAZZ

7th November -- Taking a chance alone, your truly went to watch CHICAGO THE MUSICAL. I've seen the movie and I've listened to the Broadway Tracks on AccuRadio Broadway.

It was about time I watched the real deal - the musical that made waves.

It starts.

"Welcome. Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery - all those things we all hold near and dear to our hearts. Thank you."


Overall, the production brought over to KL was somewhat so-so and ok la. Beggars can't be choosers after all. If I can't make it to either West End in London, or Broadway in New York... sigh!... this just had to do.

The first act was a little draggy and a tiny bit dis-organized. When All That Jazz ended with Roxie shooting Fred Casely dead, it was not a smooth transition into the next number Funny Honey (Hubby Of Mine).

But the music number that I was REALLY REALLY WANTED to watch was the climatic Cell Block Tango. The tales of the Six Merry Murderesses, each telling their innocent tales of being led into criminal injustice.


Not only were these girls hot! They rocked the stage! Off course they didn't dress like these in KL. Oh no no no no no. Censorship Board's and Kementrian Kebudayaan's intervention. Enough said!

But even the censorship board could not take away the orignal lyrics and dialogues away. Only the dresses and dance moves.

Still, there were still some pretty alluring and kinky moves.

The dialogues were clear and funny! And everyone actually felt pity for poor Amos Hart, the unfortunate husband of Roxie. We even applauded for him when he made his exit. An exit without an exit-music number!

Act II was my personal favourite! Starting with I Know A Girl, continuing with Me And My Baby, etc. These two first songs were ommitted from the movie version and actually makes more sense if you listen to the lyrics.

The guy who played Billy Flint, $5,000 (1920's) Criminal-Justice lawyer, was not as exalting as the three leading ladies; Velma, Roxie and Matron "Mama" Morton. So overall, I had a pretty amazing time watching Chicago... finally! Everything went well during the show, no faulty sound system, no flops in the dance moves.

But it could have been a whole lot better if it weren't shown in this country.

And all that Jazzzz....