'Chicago’ is a fast-paced, fun, jazzy break from real life

Whether you’ve never seen it before or you know all the words to all the songs in this beloved musical, you owe it to yourself to catch “Chicago” at the Wharton Center while you still can. The music is great, the singing is amazing, and the dancing is incredible. Trust me, you need this. 

A couple of content warnings before you buy your tickets. First, the paparazzi play a large role in this show, and they show up regularly with flash photography. The flashes are very bright and very intense. Not steady flashes like a strobe light, but still, this is your heads up.  

Second, you might leave the show wanting to do your own song and dance number at home with a chair, or on a ladder, but before you do, imagine yourself explaining your rendition of “All That Jazz” to the paramedics. The embarrassment would hurt more than running into June’s knife 10 times. 

It’s been 50 years since the original production of “Chicago” opened on Broadway. It’s been 100 since the roaring ‘20s and the high-profile murder trials on which the show is based. But “Chicago’s” darkly comedic, slightly cynical look at American celebrity culture, scandal and media manipulation is as relevant as ever. 

While there are no bad performances in this production, there are two exceptional performances I’d like to draw particular attention to. First, understudy Angelliz M. Rosado Ramos' take on Matron “Mama” Morton is excellent. (She played Morton at the Tuesday (April 8) and Wednesday (April 9) performances.) She has to know that people will compare her to Queen Latifah, who was nominated for an Oscar for the same role in the 2002 film. Those are some serious shoes to fill, and Ramos embraces the challenge and delivers an incredible, memorable performance.  

Second, we must discuss Andrew Metzger, who plays Amos Hart. When you see his picture in the playbill, you’ll think, “I don’t remember Uncle Fester being in ‘Chicago!’” (Fun fact: This actor played Uncle Fester to Teri Hatcher’s Morticia in a 2022 production of “The Addams Family” musical.) Not only is his performance of “Mister Cellophane” an absolute delight, but he makes the guy that nobody notices the guy that everybody remembers. You look right through him, you walk right by him, you cheer the loudest for him at curtain call. 

“Chicago” is at Wharton through Sunday (April 13). Don’t miss it!