On Tuesday, Sept. 18, Saint Leo students gathered at campus security to attend the Straz center’s showing of “Chicago,” courtesy of CAB. Tickets went on sale Sept. 5 for $8.00. Students were given the option to take provided transportation to and from the show but could opt out and drive themselves if they wished.
After a smooth and comfortable ride to the Straz center, students had about 30 minutes to explore the area before the show began. There was a small restaurant as well as a small coffee shop for students to grab food and drinks before entering the building. Many students took pictures of themselves and with friends next to a large mural dedicated to “Chicago.” The Straz is located by the Tampa Riverwalk on the Hillsborough River and offered a beautiful sunset view as the show began.
The seats were placed closer to the back and in the center giving students an excellent view of the entire stage. Once the show began, the audience was dazzled by bright lights, beautifully choreographed dances and a compelling story.
“Chicago” is the story of Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, murderesses who compete for media limelight as their court dates approach.
The show opens with Velma catching her husband and sister together, killing them and then getting arrested. Velma became a sort of “famous” criminal, and she reveled in the attention she received not only from the media but also from her lawyer, Billy Flynn.
Roxie is introduced with her lover, Fred Casely and the audience watches as Roxie kills him for attempting to leave her. The story she weaves for her husband, Amos, is that Fred was a thief and she killed him in fear. Without realizing who the victim was, Amos takes the blame to protect his wife; however, the truth comes out once Amos realizes who it was Roxie had killed.
Other show highlights include Roxie attempting to maintain her “fame,” going so far as to pretend she is pregnant. Velma and Roxie are butting heads when Velma realizes she is losing her fame to Roxie and offers to do a duet with Roxie but is rejected. Poor Amos is pulled along throughout the entire show because Roxie uses his love for her to her advantage. Finally, Velma and Roxie join together for their duel act once Roxie finally loses her fame and husband at the conclusion of her trial.
The purpose of this musical is to tackle the American judicial process and “famous criminals” using satire. The ludicrous characters, especially Roxie, become more concerned with their fame than their success at trial. The trial itself is full of lies and storytelling and yet succeeds, granting Roxie her freedom. Put in a funny performance these all too real issues and observations of reality are left to the audience to consider further.
Students who attended the show had many positive comments regarding their experience. “Chicago” was so much fun! I have never been to a musical before, and just the environment, performance and the good company made it a great night. Would love to go again and see a different show, and I totally recommend going!” says Anapaula Rios-Rosales a sophomore, bio-med major. “I didn’t have many expectations when I decided to come, but I actually had a lot of fun and understood clearly what the show was talking about, despite the singing. I would come again,” said sophomore, business administration major, Hunter Chavis.
The overall performance was spectacular and was met with a standing ovation of the audience.
