It might not have elaborate sets or a large cast, but The Cosmopolitan Productions' presentation of "Chicago" at the Lancaster Opera House is a phenomenal production that hints at true professionalism.
It's not perfect though.
Many of the leading players are excellent in their roles, and though some musical cues were missed and some dance sequences were not perfectly in synch, the talented cast and first-rate orchestra had the sold-out audience in the palm of their hand from start to finish.
"Chicago," which takes place in the windy city during the 1920s, focuses on Roxie Hart (Michele Maier), a two-bit showgirl who kills her lover and then convinces her spineless husband Amos (a cheerfully pathetic John "Brown" Maier) to pay for the best lawyer in town, Billy Flynn (Ryan Bauer).
Flynn is the only lawyer who could possibly acquit Roxie, since he has never lost a case with a woman as his client. In fact, Flynn is already representing fellow showgirl Velma Kelly (Heather Adair), whom Roxie meets in prison, along with the robust Matron Mama Morton (a strong Alison Nausbaum).
The rest of the characters are not very important to the plot, which itself is not very important compared to the musical numbers. As with any good musical, the songs are the heart of "Chicago."
Performed by scantily clad actors and actresses in cabaret outfits, the company displayed pinpoint precision during many of the songs, most notably "Cell Block Tango" and "Chicago After Midnight."
While the singing and dancing were both high quality, a few of the rare scenes that consisted solely of dialogue sounded as if the actors and actresses were simply reciting memorized lines and body movements.
The Narrator (Brian Maxwell), who set up each song sequence with a title from the corners of the stage, was not convincing and interrupted the show's rhythm. While The Narrator's lines are in the script, their success depends on the delivery, and Maxwell simply could not find the right note.
"If Jesus Christ had lived in Chicago, had $5,000 and he came to me," says Flynn, "things would have turned out differently." Unfortunately, there were times when the show's wit and sleek style became its own weak point.
One of the cleverest parts of the show comes during "We Both Reached For the Gun," when Roxie sits on Flynn's lap like a dummy and performs ventriloquist-style while he talks to the press. Bauer was clearly not comfortable singing while sitting down and his vocal performance during the song suffered.
Bringing up these points is nothing more than nitpicking. The majority of the show was fast-paced and energetic. Director/choreographer Stephen Hope nailed the show's tone and feel, which relies on humor and cynicism, combined with a risqu?(c) wardrobe.
While Maier and Adair are unquestionably the stars of the show it is the other Maier, John, as Amos, who steals the second act with his song about loneliness, "Mr. Cellophane."
Cosmopolitan Productions' "Chicago" is a rare treat: a community theater production that goes far and beyond average community theater. Buffalo may be 500 miles from Broadway, but "Chicago" is almost as good, and is just down the block.
"Chicago" runs at the Lancaster Opera House through April 4. Tickets are available at the box office and also available by phone at 683-1776.
