Following a season at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney, The Gordon Frost Organisation have taken their tour of Chicago the Musical to the second venue in their (currently) three state tour – the Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s Lyric Theatre in Brisbane. Ahead of their opening night yesterday evening, I had the chance to spend a few minutes with Alinta Chidzey, one of the four leads in this performance, taking on the role of Velma Kelly. Keep reading below for a transcript of my conversation with her.
So first of all, you have travelled here from your first performances in Sydney and have already had previews here in Brisbane. How have you found the initial response so far?
The audiences are so warm here. They are just so engaged with everything within the show, they’re laughing at all the jokes, which is awesome. And also just the responses is great. We’ve had standing ovations and that’s in preview, so we haven’t even opened yet, which is phenomenal. So I think they’re just really enjoying the show itself, and what we’ve got to give, I can’t ask for anything more than that.
Going through a list of musicals that have taken place at QPAC recently, a lot of them have been brand new, first-time-in-Australia productions. With Chicago being a musical from the 70s, why in your opinion, is Chicago a show worth seeing and why has it stood the test of time?
I always think it’s really interesting because when you look at it, it’s not about the glitz and glamour of the set or the costumes. It doesn’t focus on that and it doesn’t need that because it really is a testament to the book itself. It’s a really strong storyline, and it keeps the audiences engaged.
And also the music, it’s memorable but everyone knows all that jazz, and several of the songs throughout like Razzle Dazzle, Roxie Hart, Mr. Cellophane, Billy Flynn. There’s just so many fantastic numbers that are iconic.
And also the dancing is second to none. I mean, Bob Fosse’s choreography is masterclass. It’s a real masterclass in dance, and we’re so lucky to be able to do it. And we got taught by fantastic creatives that knew him and worked with him. And the choreography actually lends itself to the storytelling of the piece. And it’s got its own style and everyone in this particular company is phenomenal. They just know how to deliver it every night. And I think it’s a world-class production in that sense.
How has your experience on the show been like so far, and have there been any particular highlights for yourself during the tour?
It’s an amazing challenge to do this show eight times a week. Physically and vocally it’s demanding, but I always find an energy with doing the show because I get so much from it as well. You can’t help but enjoy it when the audiences are enjoying it as much as you are.
In terms of highlights… Well, we had Hugh Jackman come and see it, which was lovely. And I’ve worked with him before, we did Broadway tours together, and he really enjoyed the show. But really it’s the comradery between the whole company. We’ve got such a fantastic group of people. We’re always laughing, and if someone’s having a tough day we’re always there for each other. But rising out of that lift over there and coming out and singing all that jazz is a dream.
Do you have a favourite song from the show?
All that jazz has to be the best song. But I really enjoy when Velma takes a stand. I have a scene with Billy and the whole part of it, it’s almost like a verbal acrobatics, we call it, because I’m just doing all these crazy things and running around like a headless chook trying to impress him for the courtroom. And we have a lot of fun in that.
What advice do you have for those looking to make it in the performing arts industry?
I think it’s really important to keep the training up in all areas because the more you can do the more strings to your bow. But also, really going out and seeing theatre because you learn from watching and what you do and don’t like, or what is good and why do you think it’s good or not good. And really keep working hard. It’s keeping passionate and you got to be thick skinned because there’s a lot of knock backs with auditioning. And I think you really need to have that mental capacity to keep going and believe.
Thank you very much for your time, and all the best for the rest of the season!
I would again like to pass on my thanks to Alinta Chidzey for her time ahead of opening night to speak with me for a few minutes about Chicago the Musical. I would also like to thank the show’s Brisbane Publicist Cinnamon for kindly arranging this interview opportunity.
