Macon Little Theatre’s production of Chicago opened to an enthusiastic and appreciative audience on Friday, July 10 and promises to be a jazzy, sexy, sassy blockbuster. The talented trio of Sylvia Haynie, Laura Voss and Jenny Carroll combine to produce a well staged, musical delight with Fosse-style full body choreography. The talented eight-piece orchestra and the stylish dancers kept the audience tapping and swaying all night long. The stage never lacks excitement. Jenny Carroll and Katy Thompson playing Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly combine their drive and intensity in song and dance to propel the plot. Baxter James plays the charming but manipulative Billy Flynn with just the right amount of “Razzle Dazzle”. Billy Bishop as the downtrodden Amos Hart elicits sympathy and pathos especially while connecting with the audience in the song, “Mr. Cellophane”. Venis Glover heats up the stage as corrupt Matron Mama Morton with a sultriness that truly makes her the cell block diva. B. Barnett delightfully portrays sob-sister reporter Mary Sunshine with near operatic vocals.

The principal characters are supported by a multitalented ensemble that gives depth and pizzazz to the action. Six merry murderesses (played by Kiandra Richardson, Colby Atkins, Rachel Giannattasio, Emmie Childers, Christina Thorington and Katy Thompson) provide dramatic tension and comic relief in the “Cell Block Tango”, an audience favorite. Additional characters in various dance scenes are aptly and diversely played by Kaeleigh Heath, Liz Hill, Danielle Thuen, Elizabeth Warren and Rachel McGinty. The Men’s Ensemble (Charlie Veto, Nick Cliché, Drew Eldridge, Tripp Eldridge, Kenneth Jones, Cody O’Shea and Antwan Ward) is a mix of graceful movement and character variety in a refreshingly masculine portrayal.

The perfect mix of direction, talent, and creativity augmented by an ultra creative light design and a minimal but functional set have produced an exciting, musical extravaganza of “murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery.” Not recommended for children, “Chicago” contains adult themes and offers a sophisticated sassiness to be appreciated by adults.

“Chicago” will continue to run at Macon Little Theatre on July 15, 16, 17, 18 at 8:00 PM with a 2:30 matinee on Sunday, July 19. The box office will be open from 1 to 6 PM on Monday through Saturday. Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $15 for Seniors (60+) and $10 for students (up to age 23 w/ID). Don’t miss it.