John Kander, Fred Ebb, Ann Reinking, Bebe Neuwirth - Chicago - The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast)

"Chicago's plot was cynical and satirical in 1975, but today feels like a documentary." So says Walter Bobbie, the director responsible for this revival of the Kander, Ebb, and Fosse "musical vaudeville," which began as a minimalist concert staging for New York City Center's Encore! series before moving on to Broadway, critical acclaim, and Tony Awards. Actually, it'd be hard to go wrong with any production, no matter how it's staged, because the Roaring '20s jazz-based music here is simply great. Some people actually prefer the original's Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera as Roxie and Velma to Ann Reinking and Bebe Neuwirth, but no matter. Joel Grey is perfect as Amos Hart, James Naughton matches Jerry Orbach's original Billy Flynn, and again, the music here is wonderful. A near-flawless classic. --Bill Holdship Amazon.com

Fun, Fun, Fun

Makes the enjoyment of the show continue after you leave the theater. Definitely see the show before you by the soundtrack. July 7, 2007

CHICAGO ROCKS BROADWAY

Chicago - The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast)

One of the top 10 best Broadway cast albums ever! A revival which surpasses the original. A must own for anyone who likes Broadway shows. Bebe Neuworth, Ann Reinking & James Naughton are stellar. Plenty of razzle dazzle and fun. May 17, 2007

A near-perfect recording

Chicago is a classic, and that classic status remains in the revival recording. Bebe Neurwith is truly a delight as Velma Kelly, and shines in the star number of "All That Jazz", but it's the men who steal the show. James Naughten and Joel Grey are perfect as Billy Flynn and Amos Hart. Every single one their numbers is absolutely perfect are true classics. There are, however, two downsides. First is that the film soundtrack exceeds vocally with Catherine Zeta-Jones as a belting Velma. Second, and ultimately, Anne Reinking's rendition of "Roxie" is downright awful. I love her versions of "Funney Honey" and "Me and My Baby", but "Roxie" is disgusting. In all, however, a wonderful, fun, and classic recording. February 25, 2006

Don't be so harsh on Ann

I understand that many of you who have bought this CD will be Broadway lovers (and I am one myself)and you will be used to the lead roles having amazing powerful voices. But just as important as good singing is good acting. I think that Ann interpreted Roxie as a wannabe who had the enthusiasm but lacked the talent, which makes her raspy tones and sing-speak completely plausible. It also supports the theme that you can use other things than talent to get yourself to the top This may not be the way you like Roxie played, but you shouldn't shun Ann's interpretation. It's a good thing if there is more than one way of having a character played, I think so anyway.
Personally I love the Miramax film, but I enjoy comparing these 2 and seeing the differences. January 6, 2006

Good, But Not Great.

The revival edition of CHICAGO could be a whole lot better (like the original or the movie soundtrack.) But it is good none the less.
Bebe Nuewirth is fun to listen to on the recording, but Ann Reinking is HORRIBLE! She can't sing and she can't act as well as Ms. Nuewirth.
I recomend this recording to all Chicago and Kander and Ebb fans. August 26, 2005

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