Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – At 54 Below, CHICAGO celebrates 50 years with cast members of the original 1975 production and 1996 revival

• By drediman
• June 19, 2025
• No Comments

Last night over at 54 Below, I attended the aptly titled Dancers Over 40 Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Chicago. Co-produced by young impresario Charles Kirsch and Dancers Over 40 — a non-for-profit organization that assists dancers of a certain age to remain engaged in the industry — the concert featured performers from both the original 1975 production and 1996 revival. To be sure, it was an impressive logistical feat to have so many of these talented dancers and singers under one roof for this celebratory one-night-only event (some of the proceeds of which went to Dancers Over 40).

Since the aforementioned revival of Chicago is still going strong on Broadway — the production is currently in its astonishing 29th year — the anniversary show was restricted in the amount of numbers it was allowed to perform from the hit-laden score. Of the songs from the show, only the very best was served — Tony-winner James Naughton sang “All I Care About Is Love”, “Cell Block Tango” was performed by the original 1975 murderesses, and Paige Davis led a fully choreographed “All That Jazz”. Otherwise, this circumstance resulted in a more insider glimpse into the the creation and ongoing impact of the musical. As such, the sold out audience was additionally treated to songs cut from the musical during its Philadelphia out-of-town tryout. Some rare deep cuts included “I Move On” sung by David Sabella (the revival’s original Mary Sunshine), as well as an earlier version of “Roxie” deliciously performed by Melora Hardin. The restrictions also gave more to time for discrete, often moving tributes to Anne Reinking (given by Dylis Cromer and Gregory Butler), Gwen Verdon (Lee Roy Reams, Marilu Henner), and Chita Rivera (Javier Muñoz). These were certainly worthwhile detours.

The evening was hosted by former revival Roxie Marilu Henner, whose positive spirit and overall affection for Chicago was infectious. Indeed, the love that emanated from both the audience and performers alike was palpable, thanks largely to the sustained energy she helped maintain. The whole affair was directed by Broadway veteran and triple threat Stephanie Pope (Chicago, Jelly’s Last Jam), who turned what could have been a crowd control nightmare into a smooth evening of cabaret goodness (Pope actually performed her own solo show the night before at the well-appointed cabaret club). Last but not least, on keys was music director Michael Lavine, whose instinctual playing lent an air of comfort for all involved.

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DANCERS OVER 40 CELEBRATES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHICAGO
Cabaret
54 Below
1 hour, 15 minutes (without an intermission)
One night only on June 18, 2025