‘The hottest show in town’

BACK IN TOWN: Dean McKerras has returned to Gisborne to direct and choreograph Musical Theatre Gisborne's next production, Chicago. Picture supplied

The cast has been named for Musical Theatre Gisborne's (MTG) upcoming production of Chicago.

The lead roles of Velma Kelly and her stage rival Roxie Hart have gone to Emily Gillies and Zoe Wilson, respectively. Billy Flynn, the lawyer, will be played by Alex Raines and the MC by Amanda Maclean.

The role of Matron Mama Morton, with her deep southern voice, is in the capable Lerina Julies' hands, and Roxie's husband Amos Hart will be played by well-known MTG performer Peter Grealish.

Director and choreographer Dean McKerras was blown away by the talent at the auditions last weekend.

“They can sing, they can dance, they can act,” he said.

“They will entertain you and tell you the story you know so well.”

And if you don't know the show, McKerras is set to introduce you to “the magic of Chicago”.

Auditions were held last Friday and Saturday with call-backs on Sunday.

McKerras was “spoilt for choice” in selecting the cast.

“There were so many choices and ways to put together the legend of a show that is Chicago,” he said.

“The new year cannot come fast enough. Gisborne folk best stand by for the ticket release as this will be the hottest show in town.”

Chicago, which premiered in 1975, is one of the most well-known and successful American musicals ever. In 1997 it won six Tony Awards, including for the Best Revival of a Musical.

It is the second-longest-running show on Broadway, behind The Phantom of the Opera.

Set in Chicago in the roaring 1920s, and based on real-life murders and trials, Chicago follows Roxie Hart, a wannabe vaudevillian star who murders her lover and is arrested, despite her attempts to convince her pushover husband, Amos, to lie for her — until he finds out he's been dumped and turns on Roxie.

Roxie and another “merry murderess” Velma Kelly vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream” of fame, fortune and acquittal.

For the full cast list head to the MTG Facebook page.

Chicago is set to take to the stage in May next year.