„Chicago“ in der Volksoper: Die nächste virale Killerlady wartet schon

The musical Chicago premiered at Vienna’s Volksoper on Saturday, featuring a production directed by Lotte de Beer. The staging transforms traditional media figures into children who jump over corpses during key scenes. This artistic choice serves as a gradual defamiliarization device. It reminds audiences that the show deals with violence, abuse, and gallows humor despite its upbeat ragtime melodies. The opening number, All That Jazz, established the evening as one filled with dynamic dance sequences. Choreographer Arielle Smith created routines described as frivolous, witty, and acrobatic. These movements fit the body-centric vaudeville style underlying the musical. De Beer resisted updating the classic for the digital age. She noted that reporters chasing stories in trench coats offer better choreographic opportunities than algorithms. The system of seeking publicity remains constant. In the plot, Roxie Hart steals attention from Velma Kelley after shooting her lover. Roxie aims to avoid execution by becoming a media sensation. Bettina Mönch portrayed Roxie with impressive vocal and physical precision. Her performance shone particularly in the courtroom scene, where she acted as a confident ventriloquist puppet for attorney Billy Flynn. Myrthes Monteiro matched her as Velma, bringing power and angry wit to the role. Lionel von Laurence played Flynn effectively. Katia Ledoux embodied the corrupt guard Mama with soulful grit. Jakob Semotan delivered a touching performance as Mr. Cellophane. Ursula Pfitzner added satirical operatic flavor as a gossip columnist. Christof Hetzer designed a grey revolving stage that avoided glamour. It included a multifunctional show staircase and prison bars. Costume designer Jorine van Beek created worn yet sexy outfits that emphasized precarious sexuality. The orchestra, conducted by Maayan Franco, contributed to a lively atmosphere. Critics described the production as entertaining yet multi-layered. The cast includes Hannah Lehner, Michael Mocnik, and Victoria Schnul, who initially embraced sensationalism before their mood shifted during the mid-section execution scene. The musical itself is based on a true murder case from the 1920s. It explores how female prisoners compete for media coverage in hopes of securing acquittals. De Beer’s direction maintains this core theme while using theatrical devices to critique the nature of fame. The audience witnessed a blend of high-energy performance and social commentary throughout the run. The production highlights the enduring appeal of true crime narratives through a lens of musical theater. Performers demonstrated strong technical skill and dramatic range. The setting remained consistent with the historical period depicted in the script. No modern technological elements were integrated into the set design. The focus stayed entirely on human interaction and movement. Reviews praised the ensemble's cohesion and energy. The directorial vision received positive reception for its clarity and impact. The premiere marked a new chapter for the opera house's repertoire. Audiences engaged with the story of redemption through infamy. The balance between comedy and tragedy was well maintained. Specific character arcs were developed with care. The musical numbers flowed seamlessly into narrative segments. Lighting supported the tonal shifts required by the plot. Sound quality allowed for clear vocal projection. Stage mechanics operated smoothly during transitions. The overall effect was one of polished entertainment. Viewers left impressed by the talent displayed. The production stands as a notable addition to recent theatrical offerings. It addresses timeless themes of justice and perception. The creative team executed their vision with precision. The result was a compelling stage experience.