There was a standing ovation last night as the first of four nights of the Excel Youth Theatre’s Production of Chicago ended – the Cast put on a performance worthy of the Simon Ryan Theatre.
The show has a huge cast of 56 and the performance was delivered with skill, energy and style. Cole Flanagan’s Choreography was brilliantly executed by the cast with several of the leading members performing to a superb standard throughout the show which starts at 8pm and has a running time including intermission of 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The two female leads – Katy Judge and Madeline Blackwell are wonderful throughout the show with significant time on stage. Cathal Walsh playing the lawyer for the two jail birds also delivers some wonderful songs – Kate Grogan, a volunteer at Tipp Mid West Radio also makes a major contribution as NBC journalist Mary Sunshine. Eabha Morrissey as the Prison Matron Mama really captures the character. The cast really delivers this show with style with scenes from the jail and the courtroom drawing spontaneous applause from the audience especially for perhaps the “He had it coming” segment. Marko Grubor, as Roxie Hart’s long suffering husband won the audience’s sympathy. John Bradbury links the scenes wonderfully as Master of Ceremonies. The show directed by Michael O’Donoghue will run for three more nights until the finale on Saturday with limited tickets available from the Excel box office – 062 80520.
The production team deserves great credit – Nicole Butler as Chorus Mistress and Assistant Director, Liam Carey Stage manager and Set Design and Construction along with the Costumes managed by Marie Fogarty and Bridget Whelan and Daniel O’Brien as Assistant Director all contribute to a wonderful performance. The production is supported by many adults deeply experienced in stagecraft that must be of huge benefit to the members of the Excel Youth Theatre.
