This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Everyone likes to watch the beautiful fall, and no doubt there were more than a few schadenfreude hopefuls in the audience on Wednesday night at the Pantages for the opening performance of “Chicago,” starring Christie Brinkley as Roxie Hart.
But sadly for the ill-wishers among us, Brinkley didn’t fall at all - in fact, as the murderous adulterer who briefly captures the Windy City’s heart, she was right on point. What the 59-year-old supermodel lacked in dance and singing ability, she made up for in charisma. Each time she shot someone a doe-eyed look designed to enchant, years of doing exactly that while gazing at the camera for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues came shining through.
Now, Brinkley shared a stage with the magnificent Amra-Faye Wright, who has played Roxie Hart’s nemesis, Velma Kelly, on Broadway and around the world for nine years, so the supermodel didn’t stand much of a chance of wowing the audience with her musical theater prowess anyway. Wright was lithe, fluid, conniving and funny, and both women were backed by the sexy and exquisitely restrained energy of the supporting cast.
As always, the music, choreography and costumes in the show were brilliant. And the energy felt like a shot of exactly what that corner of Hollywood Boulevard needs - a little old-school razzle-dazzle.
"Chicago" is playing at the Pantages Theatre now through May 27. Performances run Tuesday - Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm and 6:30pm. For tickets, visit BroadwayLA.org, or call 1-800-982-2787.
