The Natchez Democrat

photo by Marcus Frazier

Clockwise from top left: Melinda Ballard adds the spice to stage with her rendition of “Roxie.” In the role of Velma Kelly, Ryan Dixon Richardson serenades the audience with the song “I Can’t Do It Alone.” Guy Wimberly, sax, Nancy Eidt, clarinet, and Ed Gaudet, oboe, make up a part of the 11-piece orchestra. Layne Taylor sings the song of his character, cut-throat lawyer Billy Flynn. David Troutman studies the score as he plays the violin. Mignon Reid gives a cold stare, as Gloria Neames, Stacey Carden and Amy Carter play reporter roles during dress rehearsal.

By Joan Gandy (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Sunday, May 27, 2007

Imagine prohibition-era Chicago and all the corruption associated with it. Now imagine a satire based on it.

That’s what Maurine Dallas Watkins did in a play she called “Chicago,” which became the inspiration for the musical by the same name — one of the most popular musicals to play on Broadway and an award-winning movie, as well.

The musical “Chicago” is the final production of the season for Natchez Little Theatre, and it has all the jazz — “All That Jazz,” the opening number, is an example — and vaudeville comedy of the period plus satirical jabs at the criminal justice system and what modern-day critics refer to as celebrity justice.

“Chicago” opens Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Saturday with 7:30 p.m. curtain each day. A Sunday matinee begins at 2 p.m.

Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb wrote the book for the musical “Chicago.” Music is by John Kander with lyrics by Ebb.

The show is fast-paced with music and dancing of the Roaring Twenties style.

The story centers on two entertainers, both in prison for murder, who vie for publicity that might help to turn their ill fate to good.

Both women — Velma Kelly, played by Ryan Dixon Richardson, and Roxie Hart, played by Melinda Ballard — are under the firm hand of prison matron Mama Morton, played by Gina Buckley.

An orchestra formed by Larry Buckley includes Buckley on trombone; Chanda Douglas, trumpet; Robert Sizemore, bass; David Troutman, violin; William Mitchell, drums; Harold House, trombone; Nancy Eidt, clarinet; Ed Gaudet, oboe; Guy Wimberley, saxophone; Jerald Johnson, tuba; and Jodie Wright, piano.

Tommy Jackson directs the play and the orchestra. Jackson worked with Mignon Reid of the Natchez Ballet Academy on the choreography. Deanne Tanksley is lighting technician.

The rest of the cast for “Chicago” includes Casey Gilbert as Amos; Layne Taylor as Billy Flynn; and Darlene McCune as Mary Sunshine.

The merry murderesses, a chorus, are Nicole Ballard, Amy Carter, Florence Hargis, Gloria Neames, Mignon Reid and Laurie Williams

The men’s chorus includes John Bowman, Stacey Carden, Landon Henry, Ron Hux, Jeremy Sanders and Dwight Williams.

Mike Gemmell and Moe LeBlanc make cameo appearances in the show.

Tickets are $15 and may be reserved by calling the theater at 601-442-2233.