Chicago

You know the premise; it's a story of murder, greed, sex, jazz, and fame. You know the songs, and can probably sing along with Roxie, Velma, Mama, and the six merry murderesses of the Cook Country jail. You have probably seen the movie and may have even seen the production recently when it toured through with Broadway Across Canada.

Go see it again.

Mayfield Dinner Theatre is running Chicago until June 17, and it's fun. That's the easiest and simplest way to describe it. The cast clearly enjoy working together, and if you get seats close enough, you can see some smirks and eye language that add a little behind-the-scenes magic to a production that features smashing Broadway numbers with jazzy choreography. Sara-Jeanne Hosie and Pamela Gordon bring a refreshing playfulness to the rivalry between Velma and Roxie, and Jenni Burke's sassiness as Mama Morton brings some great laughs. They are back up by the razzle dazzle of John Ullyatt, the sad cellophane of Garett Ross, and a supportive and talented ensemble.

Now, we were there for brunch, and it was a great spread, so I am sure the dinner menu is equally varied and filling. Their feature cocktails are a delight in our current spurt of summer heat, and they also have a thirst-quenching mocktail for those of you who, like me, don't drink. This was my first Mayfield experience but will NOT be my last (although sadly, its over a year until 9 to 5: The Musical and Michael Learned starring in Driving Miss Daisy).

Props to my brunch buddies Nathan, Misty, Sam, and Adam (with whom I was IN Chicago years ago at the Roost). Good company also makes dinner theatre an even more enjoyable experience.

So grab a bunch of friends, and go to see Chicago, where the gin is cold, and the piano's hot!

This has been a bobert review.