Malta is about to experience a story of anger, greed, jealousy, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery, as it welcomes Broadway's longest running American musical, with a full cabaret experience including a live orchestra and stellar cast. Set in 1920s Chicago 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. In the Cook County Jail, Roxie meets her hero, the famed double-murderess and nightclub performer Velma Kelly. When both acquire the same lawyer, the greedy and lustful superstar Billy Flynn, tensions come to a head as they vie for the spotlight - though instead of onstage, they're mugging for the flashbulb of the newspaper reporters.

Lucienne Camilleri, director of the local, fully-staged production of Chicago by Arthaus, says that she's honoured to be a woman directing a musical about strong women fighting for survival. "Apart from the obvious themes, we are confronted with female empowerment both in the way the characters tragically react to constant abuse and infidelity and the outrageous repercussions that ensue. These elements demand specific attention in attitude and expression making it extremely interesting from a director's point of view."

In spite of being one of the sexiest musicals to ever be written, with catchy music and timeless lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and a funny, intelligent, and utterly engaging book by Kander and Bob Fosse, Chicago is a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice, and the media machine. "It is a story of corruption in the judicial system, greed and the staggering influence of the media and reporting mechanism," Lucienne adds, making this story as relevant now as when it was first written and produced, and as valid as it would have been in the 1920s.

Apart from having a good script, what makes Chicago truly special is its music and choreography. The story literally expresses that if you can sell an idea of glitz and glamour to the press, you can get away with anything, therefore the music needs to reflect this theme. What better way to do that than with some Dixieland Jazz and Charleston? Music Director Ryan Paul Abela says, "As soon as I heard the title Chicago, I immediately got excited because of the genre of music. It is not your usual orchestral musical," which makes it more exciting as it presents a different challenge. Ryan adds, "This musical in particular has a lot of orchestral queues that concern both the cast and the musicians, so it keeps you on your toes all the time and the high energy in the dancing gives the cast little room for error." 

As for the musicians Ryan says that "The band consists mainly of a Rhythm section and a Brass section, with the inclusion of a violin for sweetness and solo parts. In this particular musical the Music Director is also part of the cast." This is going to add an interesting challenge for Ryan, as he also has lines to learn, "Along with conducting an orchestra. I must say, it is quite challenging to keep an eye on musical queues and remember that I have lines to say. It's difficult but not impossible, making it a fun new experience."

Bringing the razzle dazzle to life are numerous seasoned performers such as Chrissy Xuereb Warrington as Roxie, Francesca Scerri as Velma Kelly, Mikhail Basmadjian as Billy Flynn, Neville Refalo as Amos, Harley Mallia as Matron Mama Morton and Karl Bartolo as Mary Sunshine. They are supported by a team of twenty strong ensembles performers, who will be performing choreographies by Amy Caruana Dingli and Francesco Nicodeme. Furthermore, enhancing the magic of this production is a remarkable set that will be transforming the look of the Hilton's Grandmaster Suite and costumes by Stefania Grech Vella.

With a general mix of the vision of the stage presentation and filming mind, Director Lucienne thinks that the way the story is always recited is always conditioned by the casting and the way they explore and express the director's vision. Having said this, the audience will be exposed to an evening of jazz and dance sprinkled with clever dialogue, totally inspired by the incredible Bob Fosse and, "I sincerely hope to pay homage to this exceptional man and his vision. I am confident the audience will appreciate and enjoy this wholly spectacular experience," Lucienne adds. Ryan reiterates, "The audience is going to be on the edge of their seats throughout the performance. It's raunchy, sexy, and an incredibly good time with songs everyone is familiar with. I cannot wait for people to see this musical and to go through the experience at the Hilton with us."

Performances of Chicago an Arthaus production, will take place at The Hilton Grandmaster Suite at 8.30pm on 28, 29, 30 July 2023. This production is suitable for audiences aged thirteen and above. Tickets and more information are available via tickets.arthaus.mt or by email to [email protected]. 

Photos: Neil Grech and Nisġa.