Theater Review - "Chicago The Musical" at Square Foot Theatre

Wallingford - The Square Foot Theatre and Tavern is presenting “Chicago The Musical” on their stage in Wallingford.

Jared Andrew Brown, the executive director and co-founder of the theater, noted that Square Foot is delighted to finally bring this show to the stage, after trying for the rights to do so since SFT opened 15 years ago. The 1975 show features a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and script adaptation by David Thompson. Of course there is the iconic music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The well-known story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the "celebrity criminal.”

Brown directed this “dream show” with Amy Gibbs designing the excellent choreography that is well-executed by the entire cast. “All That Jazz” opens the show with memorable dancing and the high energy continues through to the “Finale.” Jeffrey Thibeault is the tech director and Alan Dougherty made it all work as the musical director. Dougherty also leads the fabulous orchestra on piano, with Jordan Brint on bass, Nate Dobas on drums, Mallory Kokus on reeds, and Michael White on violin.

Creative director and co-founder Patrick Laffin designed both the black set and a myriad of (mostly black) costumes. Melissa Thibeault was in charge of carefully chosen props (think red feathers) and costumes. The costumes are both flattering (of all body types) and easy for dancing in, and evoke the era.

The multi-aged and diverse cast of the Square Foot production is composed of a large group of triple threats. Nina Tsialas is amazing in the leading role of chorus girl Roxie Hart and she is equally matched by the talents of Sara Fabrizio as vaudevillian Velma Kelly.

Joe Berthiaume tackles the role of the slimy lawyer Billy Flynn and nails every move and note. Theresa Moscato has the big personality for Matron “Mama” Morton and Jacob Litt blends into the scenery as Roxie’s husband “Mr. Cellophane,” Amos Hart (not really, for he is very good in the role.) J. Soto is a delight in the part of sob sister reporter Mary Sunshine.

The row of murderers is played (and helpfully identified in the virtual program with the signature line) by Jamie Dumaine as Liz (Pop,) Charlie Hartel as Annie (Six,) JaiLynne Woods as June (Squish,) Ariel Madonna as Hunyak (Uh Uh,) and Assistant Choreographer Amelia Nemeth as Mona (Lipshitz.)

William McKinney steps out of the ensemble to play the late Fred Casely, with Faith Fernandes, Samantha Gamez, Calista Giroux, Riley Minns, and Morgan O’Brien the group of talented featured dancers in the ensemble, that also includes Makayla Hart, Rachel Popolizio and Shane Wotton.

At Square Foot Theatre, they strive to provide a home for their community of artists to create, grow and connect; a place for audiences to escape the world for a few hours to laugh, cry, sing and dance; and a program that helps them reach beyond the doors of the theater and into classrooms all over the state. The headlining sponsor is the dedicated Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation. Square Foot is seeking volunteers for the upcoming “sweet sixteen” season, that is yet to be announced but Brown mentioned would include a whopping eight musicals and two plays. Roles include concessions, 50/50 raffle, usher, and spotlight operator. Contact president@squarefoottheatre.com.

“Chicago” closes on Aug. 20 after running to packed houses.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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