About a year before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world and the theater, Shiri Maimon did it on Broadway and came with the cast of the famous musical "Chicago" to a number of performances in Tel Aviv in order to scatter some glitter dust from overseas.
This musical has already made aliyah to Israel in the past. It was produced by students of the Beit Zvi acting school twice, at the youth stage in Rehovot and in 2004 in a joint production of the Beit Lisin Theater and the Israeli Opera starring Rita, Maya Dagan, Riki Gal and Shashi Keshet.
Hagar Engel in the musical "Chicago" // Photo: Shai Hansev
Now, Chicago's criminal world in the 20s is coming straight to the Einav Center in Tel Aviv, just after they staged their own version of "Rent", another overseas production, as part of their search to stage innovative and intriguing productions, including "Contact" by the late Roni Pinkovich, the rock thriller "Upside-Down Sky" (winner of two Golden Hedgehog Awards, including the Play of the Year award), The musical "Lazarus" based on the songs of David Bowie and more.
"Chicago" by Fred Ebb and Bob Fossey (based on the play of the same name by Maureen Dallas Watkins), with original music by John Kendek and choruses by Fred Ebb, became a huge hit with a successful film version, which won six Academy Awards in 2003, including Best Picture. The musical proves its relevance even today, dealing with government corruption, fake news, 15 minutes of fame, glorification of criminals and training all means to become famous and gain power.
Renee Zellweger in the movie "Chicago", photo: courtesy of yes
This is the story of two women, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who meet in prison, where they both await their sentencing in a murder trial against them. The direction is entrusted to Avishai Ben-Gal and Shahar Peretz, the musical director Arnon Ziv and the participants include Amit Zeitun, Hagar Engel, Yael Dover, Sapir Baumwell, Nadir Eldad, Eran Lachman, Tom Antopolsky, Uri Elkayam and more.
First show dates: July 9, 18, 20, 23, 25 and 29. On weekdays the show will begin at 20:30 and on Fridays at 21:00. Tickets range from NIS 119 to NIS 199, with purchasers until June 11 enjoying a special launch price of NIS 99.
Yael Dover in the musical "Chicago" // Photo: Shai Hansev
Wrong? We'll fix it! If you find a mistake in the article, please share with us