Chicago - A Musical Vaudeville 1975 Original Broadway Cast

Ah, Chicago, why did the Tony awards go to A Chorus Line instead? As the old saying goes, "You was robbed!" No doubt the general public took more easily to the other musical's lighter tone and more acceptable storyline about struggling musical performers. But Chicago was the better show, in terms of songs, dancing and talented leads. It's just that the humor was so dark . . . and wonderful. Adapted from an old story by the writing team of John Kander and Fred Ebbs, and placed in the capable hands of the great Bob Fosse, this musical took a turn to the dark side when its director/choreographer nearly died of a heart attack partway through its composition. When Fosse recovered, he altered its tone and changed it into one of the finest pieces of theatrical black comedy, right up there with Sweeney Todd. In Chicago, the American legal system is reduced to who screws who, to a showcase where there are stars du jour, each fading as quickly as she enters the limelight of public sympathy. As the great Jerry Orbach says at the start of Razzle Dazzle, "It's all show biz, kid." From start to finish, this musical takes the audience on a tour of the Roaring 20's legal system, which bears an uncomfortable resemblance to our present-day one. But it's all served up with such style, such panache, that it's a real treat. Chita Rivera sizzles as the sultry Velma; Gwen Verdon is both tough and pitiful as Roxie, the hapless client of sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn. Flynn, of course, is the real villain or anti-hero of this show, the cynical cad who charms and manipulates the media to win acquittal for his guilty-as-sin clients. This role fell to the late great Jerry Orbach, who sank his big white teeth into the role and made it indelibly his own. (Along with El Gallo from The Fantasticks) The rest of the cast is excellent, too, from Christopher Chadman as Fred Casely to Cheryl Clark as Liz; everyone's great in his role and pulls the story along. The courtroom scene is our favorite part, especially when Orbach sings in a high-pitched voice for Verdon, who's perched on his knee like a ventriloquist's dummy, moving her mouth to his words as he sings We Both Reached For The Gun. Razzle Dazzle and All That Jazz are also standouts, but no song in this musical seems out of place; all fit in and are superbly done by this original cast. The CD is well-produced and sure to please. We highly recommend it for fans of black humor in American theater---enjoy!

Arrived in excellent condition. Very good musical

Fun musical and great cast

A truly great recording of one of the best musicals of the 20th century.

Loved it. I saw the play on broadway this is the original sound track of the play I only wished they had filmed it.

The original Broadway cast of CHICAGO still cannot be bettered, even after a pretty-fantastic Broadway revival that started in 1997 and is still going (at the time of this review's writing).

Gwen Verdon ("Can-Can", "Damn Yankees", "Redhead", "Sweet Charity") is a joy as Roxie Hart, the over-the-hill chorine who longs for her 15 minutes of fame following the slaying of her lover. Chita Rivera ("West Side Story", "Bye Bye Birdie", "Bajour", "The Rink") is a simmering sexpot as Velma Kelly in her galvanising rendition of 'All That Jazz'. Rounding out the cast as Jerry Orbach (as Billy Flynn), Mary McCarty (as Matron 'Mama' Morton), Barney Martin (as Amos Hart) and M. O'Haughey as Mary Sunshine.

During the run when Gwen Verdon developed a nasty throat infection, Liza Minnelli made a legendary Broadway comeback as Roxie Hart, and boosted the show's flagging box office sales.

Highly-recommended.

I had been looking for this CD forever and I am so glad I purchased it! Incredible recording!!!!!

Cabaret and Chicago are two of my favorite musicals. I loved the movie (I own the DVD and CD), mostly because I love all of the performers in it and was astounded by how well they were able to sing. But I had never heard what is considered the classic of its kind: the 1975 version with Chita, Gwen and Orbach. I found it excitingly raw, pulsating with an energy the film avoids in favor of spectacle. I still prefer Queen Latifah to Mary MacCarthy. Now, to find the version with Ute Lemper!

Esta grabación era exactamente lo que estaba buscando, y es excelente, lo cierto es que me ha gustado mucho, así que muchas gracias

A well received gift

Wonderful.

Forget the movie soundtrack of this brilliant musical. Unless of course you're a fan of Catherine (I'm So Gorgeous And Talented) Zeta Jones and Renee (I'm So Cute And Versatile) Zellweger. Oh, and Richard Gere. (WHY???) No amount of editing convinces me he can dance or sing. This album is the definitive recording. Velma and Roxie sound like the tough broads they are. The other performers are equally excellent. The orchestra is perfect...snappy, sleazy, and authentic. There's pathos, humour (and an exquisite dollop of high camp.) Broadway at it's best.

A brilliant show and performances with knock out songs, a top cd.