Redtwist Theatre Presents: Chicago

Shaina Toledo, Jack Seijo, Caroline Kidwell, Chelsea Rolfes, JT Nagle and Macaria Chaparro Martinez

Redtwist Theatre Presents CHICAGO Review - The Play You Never Heard of That Inspired The Musical

TLDR: No, not THAT Chicago. Taking a step back from the musical, Redtwist takes us back to the original 1926 play that inspired the musical. The play follows a similar story with familiar characters, however Redtwist has decided to amp up the campiness and slapstick comedy to make this a fun and queer version of the show.

 Chelsea Rolfes and Jack Seijo

A Familiar Story We Know and Love at Redtwist

A lone bed sits center stage with red curtains drawn behind it. The theatre goes dark after the pre-show announcements. When it’s time for them to come back up, two actors are now bathed in red light and positioned in a very compromising position atop the bed. It’s Roxie Hart astride her lover claiming once again to love him while he, on the other hand, has grown tired of her. Of course that won’t fly with Roxie (played by Chelsea Rolfes), but luckily she has just the solution. In a fit of passion she kills her lover and begins the story we’re familiar with of Roxie becoming famous and finding her best angle to print in the press.

We switch between the few settings of Chicago as the curtains are dropped and cell bars are brought forward to create the prison cell. They’re swung back in and podiums brought out when it’s time to go to court. In between scenes, we’re treated to the musical stylings of the cast members. Caroline Kidwell comes out with a guitar while Jasmine Robertson accompanies with some percussion on the washboard. Then we get even more musical instruments added as JT Nagle surprises us with some stellar banjo plucking. Robertson also shows off her comedic chops with a harmonica when she enters as the presiding judge over Roxie’s trial complete with wig and fake moustache.

While the story of the play will be mostly recognizable for those who are fans of the musical, it’s also fun to see what the story originally was and what was changed for the musical version. We see the origins of those famous lines like “they both reached for the gun!” and all the quintessential characters are there from Roxie, to Velma, to Billy Flynn. But there’s also plenty of differences that make this Chicago unique in its own way.

Jasmine Robertson and Chelsea Rolfes

Embracing Over The Top and Slapstick Comedy 

When this play first premiered in 1926, I’m sure it was played more straight (both comedically and casting-wise), but throwing in today’s humor with over the top antics and slapstick comedy, Redtwists’ Chicago feels more fitting for today’s audiences. 

The best way to describe the vibe of this play is thinking about a paper boy with a very pronounced New York accent yelling “Extree, extree read all about it!” even though we’re in Chicago. All our actors are still as overdramatic as they come. After the explosive opening moments, we go straight into a chaotic free-for-all as an eager police officer tries to wrap up the case in record time, the loving but jealous husband comes home, and a zealous journalist convinces Roxie to become a star murderess. Each actor finds ways to steal the spotlight in this headline case as they play into the campiness without ever going too far or completely overshadowing their co-actors.

Macaria Chaparro Martinez plays the policeman and other characters. We find our eyes drawn to whatever they are doing because whenever they’re onstage, they’re making sure their character is fully present. They twitch their fake moustache as the bailiff in court. They run out with a glass of water when Roxie faints, but takes a seat next to an audience member because that run took a lot out of them. They also deliver the most  perfect spit take that has us giggling with glee.  

Glittering in jewels and bespoke gowns, Laura Sturm as Velma Kelly provides us with the air of a wronged duchess and a widower who passes each of her trials by being the most gentile woman you have ever met. Even though we get to see the true Velma as the prima donna she is when she frets over the wrong dress being delivered from Marshall’s.

Jack Seijo as Billy Flynn commands the stage with his Southern drawl. As he prepares Roxie for trial, he circles around her ready to pounce at any deviation from their script. They go over their defense and he makes sure she knows he’s in charge and she won’t pull the spotlight. He pulls out the charm whenever he’s around the reporters and delivers a powerful ending defense before the crowd moves on to the next hot murder.

And the leading lady herself played by Chelsea Rolfes is every bit the drama queen we want Roxie to be. When she needs to put on more clothes after the murder, the obvious choice is a frilly and see through kimono. And when she’s not getting the attention she requires she dramatically pulls a blanket over her head or faints or declares she’s pregnant. She pouts and looks downcast when she needs to gain favor from the jury, but is ready to pose at a moment’s notice when the press shows up. 

Shaina Toledo and Macaria Chaparro Matinez

The After Party Thoughts

My advice going into this production of Chicago is to drop all notions and expectations from the musical in order to embrace the slightly different story in the play. In my opinion, selling the production as a queer adaptation overpromises (I was fully expecting a Roxie and Velma romance to be honest), but we do see it in the gender bent casting. Otherwise, I was fully onboard for the ride. I did my part as member of the jury, was tapping my foot to the banjo beats, and couldn’t stop laughing at the ridiculousness these actors decided to throw at us. 

If you’re expecting an exact replica of the musical, this play would not be for you. But for those that love the musical and anything and everything associated with it, you would enjoy watching this original play. And even for those who like the musical enough or just want a funny night out at the theatre, Chicago would be a good fit for you!

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Ashley Anderson and Jack Seijo

When

Now through November, 23, 2025

Where

Redtwist Theatre

1044 W Bryn Mawr Ave.

Chicago, IL 60660

Runtime: 90min, no intermission

Tickets

$10+

Tickets can be purchased through the Redtwist Theatre website

Photos

Tom McGrath/TCMCG photography

 Macaria Chaparro Martinez, Chelsea Rolfes and Jack Seijo

CAST

Chelsea Rolfes (Roxy Hart)

JT Nagle (Amos Hart)

Caroline Kidwell (Harrison / Liz / Go-To-Hell Kitty)

Laura Sturm (Velma / Rosie)

Macaria Chaparro Martinez (Murdock / Magdelena)

Shaina Toledo (Mr. Moe Watkins)

Jasmine Robertson (Zelda Morton / Judge)

Jack Seijo (Billy Flynn)

Ashley Anderson (Mary Sunshine)

Kelsey Mcgrath (u/s Roxy Hart)

Jeremy Cox (u/s Amos Hart)

Erin Feldman (u/s Harrison / Liz / Go-To-Hell Kitty)

Elizabeth Bushell (u/s Velma / Rosie)

Miranda Hernandez (u/s Murdock / Magdelena)

Lexy Hope Weixel (u/s Mr. Moe Watkins)

Andie Daye (u/s Zelda Morton / Judge)

Hannah Antman (u/s Billy Flynn)

Sania Faith McKnight (u/s Mary Sunshine)

 Jasmine Robertson, JT Nagle and Caroline Kidwell

CREATIVE

Maurine Dallas Watkins (Playwright)

Eileen Dixon (Director)

Eileen Dixon & Dusty Brown (Adapters)

Charlie Levinson (Production Stage Manager)

Taylor Mercado Owen (Assistant Director)

Laura Sturm (Intimacy Director)

Catherine Kidwell (Music Director)

Seth Eggenschwiller (Fight Choreographer)

Dusty Brown (Dramaturg)

Brandii Champagne (Scenic Design)

Madeline Felauer (Costume Design)

Cat Davis (Lighting Design)

Leo Bassow (Props Design)

Harper Justus (Sound Design)

Jeff Brain (Technical Direction)

Raine Dedominici (Production Management)