Chicago with Brandy Norwood

Hello my loves,

I don't know if I should write a full review of Chicago (what is there to say at this point) but I promised you some thoughts so here it goes. I love the movie. I love the score. This is my second time seeing the revival after seeing Jennifer Nettles during her run. And... I loved it. While I enjoyed seeing Jennifer portray Roxie, the first time I saw the show it seemed a little lifeless compared to the movie. Natasha Yvette Williams and Raymond Bokhour owned their solos but the show didn't quite work as a whole. I felt a kind of listless energy from the ensemble at times and there was a bit of sloppiness and sluggishness to some of the dancing. That was completely absent last night. The orchestra was on fire and for whatever reason the sound in the theatre seemed better amplified even though I was sitting in more or less the same section. The ensemble felt sharp and energetic and awake and I actually got the impact I had wanted from Cell Block Tango. Amra-Faye Wright did a solid job as Roxie. I could definitely tell that English wasn't her first language and I felt like she was holding back in her vocals and choosing her moments. She does have a great figure and some nice lines when she dances and when she goes for it with her singing, I think she does a good job. She felt comfortable in the role but she didn't have many big moments. In contrast, Carly Hughes did a fantastic job with all the dancing and her vocals were full out but sometimes I felt like she was pushing too much and it was a little awkward. Ivan Hernandez did a very good job as Billy. He chose to do a voice and he did it well and sang wonderfully but I almost wished he would have used his natural voice so he could focus a little more on the performance. It wasn't bad at all but I think he could have brought more to the part instead of feeling like a stand in. I was prepared for Mary Sunshine this time and even more impressed with the actor's vocals. Again, I don't know what was happening with the sound but the first time I heard it I thought the vocals were coming from backstage.

OK, I know what you're waiting for. Brandy was great as Roxie. I'm glad I waited because she seemed really at home in the part after playing the role for this many weeks. The choreography isn't too challenging for Roxie so I can't really judge her dancing ability but she was very smooth and not stiff or stilted. Her Roxie was more sultry and mature compared to Jennifer Nettles' dumber, perkier Roxie. I think I prefer Jennifer's interpretation because it fits more with the character as written. There were times with Brandy where the jokes didn't land as hard because she was playing a more controlled, mature Roxie. However, I think she did a better job with her dramatic moments and I'd like to see her in a more serious musical someday. While Jennifer went broad and comedic, I think Brandy came across as very professional. She didn't have the same highs but she was very consistent and I loved the vocal quality she brought to her numbers. It was sultry without being raspy. There was a lovely warmth and maturity to her voice and her riffs were well deployed. I'm eager to see her on stage again soon and I hope this production continues to bring in talent like Jennifer Nettles and Brandy from different genres of music to interpret this wonderful score.