♪♫ And All That Jazz ♫♪

I was around 12 or 13 years old when I purchased an 8-track, yes, you read that right, an 8-track of the original Broadway cast recording of Chicago. From the first wails of the muted trumpet followed by 5,6,7,8, I was enthralled, I listened to it over and over again until I knew every word to every song, even the "bad" words. :-O I would go up to my bedroom, close the door and perform every number, complete with my own choreography. As much as I loved the show, I never saw the play. I did see the film when it came out in 2002, but it wasn't the same. I enjoyed it and all, but it didn't meet my expectation after years of listening to Jerry Orbach, Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera singing my favorites, Razzle Dazzle, Roxie and, of course, All That Jazz.
Tonight, because of the generosity of a dear friend, I was given tickets to the opening night of the national tour of Chicago at the beautiful Altria Theater, and my oldest daughter and I ventured out on our night at the Theater. I was really excited, but a little apprehensive too as a lot of touring shows I have seen have ended up disappointing me. This one didn't! I loved it! This particular production was done with the original Bob Fosse choreography, and his unmistakable style just makes me happy, the bowlers and the stylized movements....ahhh...genius! And what a kick ass cast! The ensemble looked like an ad for some home exercising machine. All I can say is the human body, male or female, is a beautiful thing! I know being on the road has got to be hard, but you would never know it looking at this cast's performance, high energy and vocally, spot on! I had a hard time not singing along. Now, I wonder how much the soundtrack will cost on iTunes.