Catherine Zeta-Jones in the film adaptation of Chicago.
Twenty-seven years ago Chicago made its Broadway debut, now the popular musical finally finds its way to the big screen. But was it worth the wait?
The 1920s tabloid story of a publicity-hungry woman on trial for shooting her lover had already fueled a silent film ( Chicago ) and a Ginger Rogers vehicle ( Roxie Hart ) before being turned into a Broadway musical. Bob Fosse, fresh from the success of bringing Cabaret to the screen, decided to try his hand at another unconventional musical. So he re-teamed with his Cabaret collaborators John Kander and Fred Ebb, and came up with Chicago , a work that would turn murder, the media, the legal system and show biz into a three-ring circus where the best manipulators are the stars. On stage, Fosse was able to give the show his particular brand of sizzle, cynicism and innovation. Plus, he had the dynamic talents of Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera and Jerry Orbach to showcase. Unfortunately, Fosse never figured out how to translate the play to film, and he and Verdon have sadly passed away with no one able to replace their unique talents.
hbotis from Hong Kong
February 23, 2009 at 05:31 PM
Totally spot on!
