THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE and STG PRESENTS - "CHICAGO" October 22 - November 2, 2025 Seattle Review
CHICAGO
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Music by John Kandler
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Re-creation of Original Production Choreography: Gregory Butler
Re-creation of Original Production Direction: David Hyslop
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Seattle, WA
October 24, 2025 Evening Performance - Media Night
The second production of the 2025/2026 season at the Fifth Avenue Theatre (a co-production between the 5th Avenue Theatre and the Seattle Theatre Group) brought the much heralded show, “Chicago”, into town last night. The latest iteration of the 2025/2026 national tour had previews in Yakima, WA and opened officially in Seattle with many more stops well into 2026.
I was probably one of only a few patrons that had no ties to the show. I hadn’t seen any professional version of the show nor had I seen the very popular movie version. So, I went in knowing next to nothing about the production.
I thought the show was good but not great. The performances were above average to strong for the most part. I could nitpick a few things but they were very, very minor.
The band sounded good to this musician's ears so all was good there.
There isn’t much of a show in terms of production but my understanding is that that is normal for this particular musical. The songs and the choreography are more of the thrust of the show along with the commentary about society and how it/we can take horrible things and spin them into something else.
It was clear that many in attendance knew the story, knew the characters, and were waiting for their favorite numbers, etc.
What stood out the most for me was the lack of a cohesive story. It felt like it was a concert with one song after the other. The story between Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly was rather lost on me to be honest. I found out later how much more was there between the characters, from adoration early on to pure animosity, as their story unfolded. It was almost like the story was just filler to get to another song/dance performance.
The music was well received but I didn’t find it particularly memorable. The dance numbers were the highlight for sure. The cast did their very best to bring that aspect to the stage with great skill and expertise. They most definitely succeeded in that regard.
But, overall, “Chicago” was for lack of a better phrase - a bit lackluster. I was ready to be bowled over by the show and I left liking it (don’t get me wrong), but not necessarily loving it.
I think the fans of the show in general and/or of the movie will enjoy this current tour. For the uninitiated like myself, it was a nice night out at the theatre but I don’t think it’ll change your musical theatre world.
“Chicago” runs through November 2nd. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
I wanted to add that this is a non-equity national tour. After doing some research, I now know this is a topic of interest for some in the musical theatre world. I am not as informed as I should be about the matter but if that is something that you’re passionate about, proceed accordingly.
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Music by John Kandler
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Re-creation of Original Production Choreography: Gregory Butler
Re-creation of Original Production Direction: David Hyslop
The 5th Avenue Theatre
Seattle, WA
October 24, 2025 Evening Performance - Media Night
(Claire Marshall as Velma Kelly in "Chicago". Credit Jeremy Daniel.)
The second production of the 2025/2026 season at the Fifth Avenue Theatre (a co-production between the 5th Avenue Theatre and the Seattle Theatre Group) brought the much heralded show, “Chicago”, into town last night. The latest iteration of the 2025/2026 national tour had previews in Yakima, WA and opened officially in Seattle with many more stops well into 2026.
I was probably one of only a few patrons that had no ties to the show. I hadn’t seen any professional version of the show nor had I seen the very popular movie version. So, I went in knowing next to nothing about the production.
I thought the show was good but not great. The performances were above average to strong for the most part. I could nitpick a few things but they were very, very minor.
The band sounded good to this musician's ears so all was good there.
There isn’t much of a show in terms of production but my understanding is that that is normal for this particular musical. The songs and the choreography are more of the thrust of the show along with the commentary about society and how it/we can take horrible things and spin them into something else.
It was clear that many in attendance knew the story, knew the characters, and were waiting for their favorite numbers, etc.
(Ellie Roddy as Roxie Hart in "Chicago". Credit Jeremy Daniel)
What stood out the most for me was the lack of a cohesive story. It felt like it was a concert with one song after the other. The story between Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly was rather lost on me to be honest. I found out later how much more was there between the characters, from adoration early on to pure animosity, as their story unfolded. It was almost like the story was just filler to get to another song/dance performance.
The music was well received but I didn’t find it particularly memorable. The dance numbers were the highlight for sure. The cast did their very best to bring that aspect to the stage with great skill and expertise. They most definitely succeeded in that regard.
But, overall, “Chicago” was for lack of a better phrase - a bit lackluster. I was ready to be bowled over by the show and I left liking it (don’t get me wrong), but not necessarily loving it.
I think the fans of the show in general and/or of the movie will enjoy this current tour. For the uninitiated like myself, it was a nice night out at the theatre but I don’t think it’ll change your musical theatre world.
“Chicago” runs through November 2nd. Purchase tickets: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
I wanted to add that this is a non-equity national tour. After doing some research, I now know this is a topic of interest for some in the musical theatre world. I am not as informed as I should be about the matter but if that is something that you’re passionate about, proceed accordingly.
(Ellie Roddy as Roxie Hart in, "Chicago". Credit Jeremy Daniel.)
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