Interestingly enough, this provides a very convenient starting point for introducing the next movie in the Stage to Screen series.
The touring stage-version of the musical that will be screened next Wednesday is already in Charlotte and its final performance is this Sunday. Next week's stage to screen musical adaptation is Chicago.
When Chicago was released into theaters in 2002, it was met with high critical and audience acclaim. The movie version stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, Richard Gere, Queen Latifah, and John C. Reilly. It was directed by Rob Marshall, who, surprisingly, has very few directing credits. His other directorial work that most would recognize is 2005's Memoirs of a Geisha. But with these two films, I'd claim quality over quantity.
Chicago is based on the 1975 stage musical of the same name and a Broadway revival of the musical debuted in 1996 and is still running. Most, at this point, are familiar with the plot. Two murderesses on Death Row, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, decide that the best way to avoid the death penalty is to use their stories to turn themselves into celebrities. They both compete for the same flamboyant attorney, who promises their desired fame and freedom. Amidst this story, some of the most memorable Broadway musical numbers arose. Songs like "All That Jazz," "When You're Good to Mama," and "Razzle Dazzle" made the stage version a hit and they do the very same for this updated movie version. It really speaks to the timelessness of involving and magical stagecraft.
This musical also seems to have a magical touch when it comes to award nominations. The original production was nominated for Best Musical and acting Tonys, but was unable to win. The 1996 revival, however, was able to accomplish what the original could not. It won Best Revival and Best Actor and Actress Tonys. This amount of greatness seemed to have rubbed off on the movie adaptation. At the 2003 Academy Awards, Chicago walked away with a total of 6 Oscars, including Supporting Actress (Zeta-Jones) and the Best Picture award. It was also nominated in several other categories: Supporting Actor, Actress, and Director.
Chicago is one of those rare films that is able to satisfy almost any taste. It is star-driven, award-winning, a musical, funny, and its technical aspects are of the best quality. It is also able to stay true to the original stage version, which is what is important to me; especially in this film series.
I hope you will be able to attend the screening of Chicago here at Freedom Regional. We have already had two successful screenings of Grease and Rent in this series and I'm hoping for another with Chicago. The movie will play at 6:00pm on Wednesday, November 19 in the Community Room here at Freedom. There will be free popcorn for those attending the screening. See you there!
Until next time....
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