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Chicago

South Bay Musical Theatre

May 16-June 6, 2009

Avg. Event Rating (4.4 Stars): Add Review/Comment

In the 1997 Broadway season, Chicago won six Tony awards including best revival. In razzle dazzle, roaring twenties Chicago, married chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover. Roxie and another murderess on death row vie for the spotlight and the headlines, hoping the publicity will catapult them to fame, freedom and successful stage careers. This sharp edged musical of murder, exploitation and treachery features a dazzling score that sparked, in the original production, some immortal choreography by Bob Fosse. The score includes such favorites as All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, Mr. Cellophane and Razzle Dazzle. The 2002 film version of Chicago won the Oscar for Best Picture.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $9-$31.50

  Info Phone: 408-266-4SDG (4734)

  Buy tickets

• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  May 16-June 6, 2009

  Times:
  Thurs 6/4: 8pm
  Fri-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2:30pm
  Sat 6/6: 2:30pm

• Venue Info

  Saratoga Civic Theater

  13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Assisted Listening System
  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate. However it's a good idea to visit the official website or call the venue to verify the information.

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• Member Reviews

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  • Event Name: Chicago
    "A Disappointment"
    Review posted by: Disappointed Musical Fan from East Bay, CA, Jun 06, 2009
    

    The reviews were dazzling so I went to see this Friday night(6/5/09) and to my utter disappointment, it was the most boring musical I have ever seen. Sure, Rebecca Lipon (who played Velma) danced... Expand

    The reviews were dazzling so I went to see this Friday night(6/5/09) and to my utter disappointment, it was the most boring musical I have ever seen. Sure, Rebecca Lipon (who played Velma) danced really well but her acting was below par. She always had a smile on her face in every scene as if always trying to be cute instead of showing the proper expression the scene required. She took the seduction and danger that Catherine Zeta-Jones gave to the character when she played it in the big screen. The other actors gave very draining performances that the lady beside me actually started falling asleep! Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Some Dazzle, some Razz"
    Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, May 26, 2009
    

    Certainly big kudos to Rebecca Lipon who played Velma and nods to a few others for playing to their strengths even if the newer interpretations of these well known characters weren't the strongest... Expand

    Certainly big kudos to Rebecca Lipon who played Velma and nods to a few others for playing to their strengths even if the newer interpretations of these well known characters weren't the strongest overall. Admittedly this is one of my favorite shows and though I was skeptical it could be pulled off, there were some plesant surprises. Great Lighting, an orchestra that was strong once it warmed up, and Velma, Velma, Velma made this a production certainly entertaining but so much of this show is "SHOW" and "DANCE" and the ensemble wasn't completely in sync, and not nearly as sharp and sexy as I would have liked. Still...a nice job overall and I can't say it enough, Rebecca as Velma is magnetic. Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Chicagoitis"
    Review posted by: Don Lake from San Jose, Ca., May 24, 2009
    

    I went to see this show last night the 23rd of May. From the beginning number on I was totally entranced. The set were perfect, the cast outstanding and the orchestra ideal. The role of Velma... Expand

    I went to see this show last night the 23rd of May. From the beginning number on I was totally entranced. The set were perfect, the cast outstanding and the orchestra ideal. The role of Velma Kelly played by Rebecca Lipon was sexy sinful and frustrating all at once and Tim Reynolds appearance in the role of Billy Flynn was so outstanding that at the end of the show I felt hatred for that lawyer a*****e. The ticket prices are more than reasonable. Have a very enjoyable night out. Go see "Chicago" at the Saratoga Theater. Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Fabulous Show!!!"
    Comment posted by: Rachel Spivack from Gilroy, Ca. USA, May 24, 2009
    

    I was dazzled by the cast in last night's show. Maximo Califano was amazing to watch in the chorus. He was especially brilliant as the jury! Brava to Rebecca Lipon as Velma. She took Velma to new... Expand

    I was dazzled by the cast in last night's show. Maximo Califano was amazing to watch in the chorus. He was especially brilliant as the jury! Brava to Rebecca Lipon as Velma. She took Velma to new heights. I can't wait to see it again. Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Chicago Equals Both Razzle Dazzle and Heart"
    Review posted by: AMS from San Jose, CA, May 23, 2009
    

    SBMT's Chicago is filled with Razzle Dazzle and is the best production of Chicago I have ever seen. Velma and the boys and girls in the chorus sparkle and shine as do all of the leads who excel in... Expand

    SBMT's Chicago is filled with Razzle Dazzle and is the best production of Chicago I have ever seen. Velma and the boys and girls in the chorus sparkle and shine as do all of the leads who excel in their parts as well as any performers on Broadway. But it is the direction by C. Michael Traw and the acting by Karen DaHart as Roxie, that give the show the heart that sets it apart from all of the other versions I have seen. This show was what Chicago should be! Not only wonderful dance and song but a warm and funny show as well. Congratulations to SBMT for consistently producing such excellence for their audiences! This is another production not to be missed! Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Still another success"
    Review posted by: David from Santa Clara, May 23, 2009
    

    The name finally fits what they are doing—South Bay Musical Theatre. I've been watching and enjoying the musicals put on by Saratoga Drama Group for years. When I watched Chicago opening night, I... Expand

    The name finally fits what they are doing—South Bay Musical Theatre. I've been watching and enjoying the musicals put on by Saratoga Drama Group for years. When I watched Chicago opening night, I was not surprised by its excellence. I've come to expect that from shows produced by this group, particularly by those directed by C. Michael Traw. This group and this show deserves our support. Buy a ticket Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Wow! What a show! That's entertainment!"
    Review posted by: Maury from Los Altos, May 23, 2009
    

    This show is fast paced, funny, and exciting. It's hard to say what I liked best—the whole cast acts, sings, and dances so well. Rebecca Lipon was strong, athletic, and sexy in "Vellma takes the... Expand

    This show is fast paced, funny, and exciting. It's hard to say what I liked best—the whole cast acts, sings, and dances so well. Rebecca Lipon was strong, athletic, and sexy in "Vellma takes the stand." Jay Steele made us feel for his wimpy character in "Mr. Cellophane." Tim Reynolds was great as Billy Flynn in all his numbers, a performance worthy of Broadway. Karen Dehart rocked as Roxie. Molly Thonton showed her class as Momma; B. Leroi shined in every number. But my favorite number was "Cell Block Tango." The high quality of the show, its polish and attention to theatrical detail is the result of the quality team assembled by Producer Gary Daum. It is much the same as Lucy Haab had in the highly acclaimed Ragtime: C. Michael Traw, Director; Andrea Heaberlin, Choreographer; Dan Singletary, Musical Director and Sound Designer; Anita Hsiung Carey, Vocal Director; Mike Munoz, Lights, and Stephen Wathen, Scenic Designer. This show is a steal at the price of the tic. Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Worth your time!"
    Review posted by: Chris from Mountain View, CA, May 19, 2009
    

    This is Velma's show top to bottom - Rebecca Lipon is worth the ticket price by herself. The orchestra is top-notch, and the ensemble, while needing a little Fosse-polish, brings multiple numbers to... Expand

    This is Velma's show top to bottom - Rebecca Lipon is worth the ticket price by herself. The orchestra is top-notch, and the ensemble, while needing a little Fosse-polish, brings multiple numbers to life and will have you wanting more. Some interesting costume choices and bland direction keep the show from having a clear focus, but the talents of the actors, including Tim Reynolds, Jay Steele and B. LeRoi shine through regardless. A strong production that will make you proud of community theater. Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Slick, sexy fun!"
    Review posted by: Gillian from San Jose, May 18, 2009
    

    Wow! What a polished and professional show. One of the best orchestras I've heard, terrific cast and wonderful dancing. The set is sharp, the costumes are sexy and the lights add extra visual... Expand

    Wow! What a polished and professional show. One of the best orchestras I've heard, terrific cast and wonderful dancing. The set is sharp, the costumes are sexy and the lights add extra visual punch. The group really did a great job bringing the characters to life, even making the "bad" guys and girls likable. Hard to single out performers because it seemed like they were all stars up there. This show is not done very often, so make sure you see it before it closes! Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Raised the Bar again!"
    Review posted by: CJC from Cupertino from Cupertino, CA, May 17, 2009
    

    The opening night crowd gave a Standing O, and it was deserved. Absolutely pyrotechnic dancing from Velma (Becca Lipon) A fantastic "Roxie" from Karen Dehart and her "Boys". Wonderful atmospheric... Expand

    The opening night crowd gave a Standing O, and it was deserved. Absolutely pyrotechnic dancing from Velma (Becca Lipon) A fantastic "Roxie" from Karen Dehart and her "Boys". Wonderful atmospheric lighting from Mike Munoz. Great sound, and a super orchestra. Very stong ensenble work from Men and Women. Even an elevator! Tim Reynolds managed to create a Billy Flynn with a certain amount of nobility, as long as you have $5000. Not to be missed! Collapse

  • Event Name: Chicago
    "Don't Miss CHICAGO"
    Review posted by: SJ Drowsy Chaperon from Campbell, May 16, 2009
    

    Caught the final preview of South Bay Musical Theatre's CHICAGO and was most pleased with the production. It was certainly nice to have the orchestra on the stage for a change. The orchestra sans pit... Expand

    Caught the final preview of South Bay Musical Theatre's CHICAGO and was most pleased with the production. It was certainly nice to have the orchestra on the stage for a change. The orchestra sans pit sometimes is a distraction to the show. And a good orchestra is was. With musical director Dan Singletary actually having a role in the show, he proved a solid actor also. All the incrediants which make a show rise about its amatuer level were there. Outstanding set, costumes, lights, make-up, hair, sound all were top notch. Also the choreography by Andrea Heaberlin and vocal direction by Anita Carey were first class. No complaints there. The leads were exceptional. All could certainly tour in this show and were better than some people I have seen in professional companies. Rebecca Lipon with singing and dancing skills, Karen DeHart with her acting and singing, Tim Reynolds with his singing and acting-all wonderful as were Jay Steele, Molly Thornton, and Brad Hanshy in minor roles. Collapse

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