Broadway veteran directs 'Chicago' at Theatre VCU

Broadway veteran Patti D’Beck, a professor of movement and choreography in the VCU theater department, will direct the Theatre VCU performance of “Chicago” slated to run April 10 to April 26 at the Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.
The Theatre VCU production of the play is the sole production of “Chicago” allowed in the United States while the Broadway company of “Chicago” is on tour. The exception was made because of D’Beck’s longstanding professional relationship with the company.

A charmingly lurid story, “Chicago,” is a satire on corruption of criminal justice, and the concept of the “celebrity criminal” - a sexy musical extravaganza that mixes merriment and murder, song and dance and red-hot Chicago during the roaring 1920s. It features a memorable score and great songs such as “All That Jazz,” “Razzle Dazzle,” “Cell Block Tango” and “Cellophane Man.”

The musical tells the story of Roxie Hart, a starlet wannabe who finds fame despite the challenges brought on by her murder of her lover. She meets Velma Kelly, a jailed sassy circuit performer; matron “Mama” Morton, and slick lawyer Billy Flynn, who turns her crime of passion into celebrity headlines while Roxie’s timid, faithful husband fades into her past.

“Chicago” opened on Broadway in 1975 and won six Tony Awards. Its current Broadway revival opened in 1996, and is still running. In 2002 Miramax Films took the musical to the big screen and garnered six Oscars. 

Theatre VCU’s production of “Chicago” serves up all the elements of a great show - memorable music played by a live band, high-spirited choreography and show-stopping performances. 

D’Beck’s latest projects include directing and choreographing “Morning Rush” for the Richmond Ballet, and “Guys and Dolls” for Barksdale Theatre. In addition, she has choreographed “The Producers” and “Paint Your Wagon” for Pioneer Theatre Co. D’Beck is a veteran of 13 Broadway shows. Her other credits as choreographer or performer include the Broadway productions of “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Bells Are Ringing,” “Grease!,” “The Will Rogers’ Follies,” “My One and Only,” 

Evita,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “A Chorus Line,” “Pippin,” “Seesaw” and “Applause.” D’Beck also choreographed the opening number for the 1997 Tony Awards for Rosie O’Donnell. 

Performances of “Chicago” are set for April 10-12, 16-18 and 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19, 26 at 3:00 p.m.
High School matinees are at 10 a.m. on April 14, April 15, April 21 and April 22. 

Ticket prices are $20 for general admission and seniors; $18 for VCU faculty and staff; $8 for VCU students with valid ID; $18 for other students with valid ID; and $12 per person for groups of 20 or more. Tickets can be purchased at the Hodges Theatre Box Office, Singleton Performing Arts Center, or reserved by calling 804-828-6026 or by e-mailing theatretix@vcu.edu.