CHICAGO, a musical tale from America's Windy City, has blown into Liverpool and high-kicked the start of a UK tour.
It always goes down a storm here.
This show has been razzling and dazzling audiences for more than 45 years and has lost none of its sparkle and vitality - especially when you have two leading song and dance ladies who are glowing with sexiness, savviness and an electric sense of humour and comic timing.
Set in the jazz age of the roaring '20s, it is based on a true murder case and the informative programme notes provide some eye-opening background information for those who like some factual material in their entertainment.
Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly and cast in 'Chicago'. Picture: Tristram Kenton
Faye Brooks as Roxie Hart and Djalenga Scott as Velma Kelly are a dynamic duo who dominate the stage during two and a half stylish hours of top-notch choreography and classic songs from All that Jazz to the Cell Block Tango and the sublime foot-tapping Razzle Dazzle and there's always great support for one slow but highly melodic anthem for losers everywhere - the paintive Mr Cellophane.
It's the moment when poor Amos - Roxie's blinkered and duped hubby - opens his heart.
Faye Brookes as 'Roxie Hart'. Picture: Tristram Kenton.
There are plenty of running gags about his 'invisibilty' all nicely delivered by Jamie Baughan.
Full marks to the behind -the-scenes stars of the show: costumes (everyone in some form of black attire) and the design tean who created the slick set.
I take my black bowler hat off to the faultless jazz orchestra under Andrew Hilton's ebulient musical direction.
And there are two other key figures in these Chicago credits: Russell 'The Voice' Watson as ruthless, rule-breaking lawyer Billy Flynn and the Queen bee of the womens' prison Matron 'Moma' Morton played by former Three Degrees supestar Sheila Ferguson - a towering personality in a power-dressing black suit.
Sheila Ferguson in 'Chicago'. Picture: Matt Crockett
Russell Watson as 'Billy Flynn'. Pic: Paul Coltas
'The Voice' has taken over from Darren Day in the Flynn role.
He provides a more laid back, menancing persona than previous performers who have recreated the character.
He is reminiscent of Harvey Keitel's Mr Winston Wolfe from Pulp Fiction.
Russell's voice certainly blows audiences away.
It is a show packed with timeless songs and laugh-out-loud one-liners as well as touches of poignancy.
This Chicago takes no prisoners, four stars
Simmering, sultry, fizzy and funny.
The production ends its Liverpool Empire run on Saturday.
Tickets are from the box office on 0844 871 7615.
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