A mix of humor and drama, colorful characters, elegant choreography. An exhilarating, majestic, and utterly violent spectacle. This is a delicious “Chicago” cocktail, which just started at the Casino de Paris. The legendary musical, created in 1975 and holding the record for longevity on Broadway, is coming to the capital, with singer Shy’m in the line-up, and it’s not to be missed.
Welcome to downtown Chicago, in the 1920s. Roxie Hart misses her husband Amos. What he seeks is fame and shine. When he finds himself behind bars for shooting his girlfriend, he sees an opportunity to finally achieve fame. But another inmate, dancer Velma Kelly, won’t let herself steal the show so easily.
The output of virtue, truth, humility in this story was inspired by a news story. Make way for corruption, lies, betrayal. This small world, hungry for glory and egocentric, is capable of doing anything to attract light. It’s fun and satisfying. It’s full of self-deprecation and decidedly topical, at a time when sensationalism is far from over.
The dialogues and songs retain their spicy spirit
There were concerns that the English adaptation of the original text would lose the flavor of the French translation, but this is not the case. The dialogue, like the song’s lyrics, retains its caustic spirit. On stage, we loved seeing an orchestra of eleven musicians, perched on a platform, interacting with the company, and giving their all to rhythmic jazz with an infectious swing.
The actors, all in black, from tights, tights, corsets to lacy bodysuits and bowler hats, give a high-level performance with boundless energy and very sexy.
The first Shy’m, in the role of Velma Kelly, is perfect, both funny and touching as a shooting star. With Vanessa Cailhol, Molière’s nominee for best actress of 2024, dazzling as Roxie Hart, he forms a graceful and glamorous duo, alternately rivals and accomplices, sparking sparks. Their voices are amazing. In the role of evil lawyer Billy Flynn, Jacques Preiss, who played Marius last year in “Les Miserables” at the Théâtre du Châtelet, is also very convincing. The dance is in harmony. It sways, spins, spins. Great show.
“ Chicago “, musical performance at Casino de Paris, 16, rue de Clichy, Paris (9). 02.30 with breaks, Tuesday to Sunday. From 44 euros.
