By: Melissa W., Senior Editor Posted: 2/26/2003

Ah, murder, greed, corruption, and sex. Alone they cause a stir, together they cause a sensation. Taking into consideration that sex sells and sin sizzles, Chicago has thrived on it's artful creation of a musical with a great plot, sexy costumes (or lack thereof), and some of the catchiest damn tunes around.

The story follows the trial of wannabe Jazz songstress Roxie Hart, on trial for the murder of her furniture salesman and backdoor lover.

Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson makes his Broadway debut as the wonderfully slimy Billy Flynn, Roxie's lawyer and publicity guru at large. It has to be said that the initial announcement of this casting followed with an obligatory cringe, but after witnessing Kevin's portrayal of Billy Flynn, all actors who played the part before him pale in comparison.

The musical numbers in Chicago are what set them apart from their fluffy Broadway counterparts. Giving way to lyrics laced with sexual overtures, a sea of gyrating body parts, sequins and feathers (see the number "Razzle Dazzle" for details), Chicago has what many other musicals lack: coolness.

As I sit here in my Chicago t-shirt, I lament on the one regret I have about the play: that the two and a half hours went by all too soon. But, in the words of the great Billy Flynn, "That's Chicago, kid." Indeed.

Source: http://www.kiwibox.com/article.asp?a=27287