'Razzle Dazzle' :: Coronado Playhouse's 'Chicago'

"Rouge your lips" and head on over to Coronado Playhouse to see Kander and Ebb's musical "Chicago," a show that was way ahead of its time back in 1975.

Fortunately it was revived in 1997, winning six Tony Awards and inspiring the 2003 Academy Award winning film. So why not "paint the town and all that jazz?"

And now, three of the merry mistresses from the Coronado Playhouse's production present The Rage Monthly's interview tango; featuring Director Chrissy Burns, Allison Boettcher as Roxie Hart and Tori Roze as matron "Mama" Morton.

Director Chrissy Burns is a local talent you should know and love, she teaches, directs and acts. Most recently you might have caught her performing in the Lamb's Players 1980's smash hit MixTape.

"Chicago is a long-time favorite show of mine, the dark themes, jazz music, songs and the iconic Fosse choreography. It is challenging and delightful to tackle something that is loved by so many people. It is also difficult to get the rights to this show. I have been running a burlesque group called the Caberlesque Kittens, the whole reason I started the group was because I loved the show" says Burns.

Burns is proud to bring a unique spin to the show; the Coronado Playhouse has cabaret club style seating for the audience, with intimate four-top tables. So Burns warns, "Be ready for the open bar, table cloths, lamps and a jazzy preshow by the three 'Masters of Ceremonies.' " Burns also noted there will be some interesting technology used because people are most familiar with the smash hit film.

Allison Boettcher, an SDSU performance major and Oxford British American Drama Academy graduate auditioned for the role of Roxie, a part she has longed to play since childhood. "I saw Chicago when I was a kid, my grandparents took me to see it in Las Vegas. I was mesmerized and knew this is what I want to do with my life. Then in sixth grade my best friend and I performed 'We Both Reached for the Gun,' I played Billy Flynn and she played Roxie."

Boettcher has dreams of heading for Broadway and can empathize with Roxie. "Roxie is this crazy, eccentric character who is madly in love with the spotlight. She would do anything to have a great audience and a world full of yes. While I don't morally agree with her, I understand that part of her. She was also from a time when 'good' women didn't have a lot of power and had limited career options. The expectation was that being a good wife and mother is fulfilling enough. I think she would appreciate the slogan 'I'm no one's wife, but I love my life.' "

Tori Roze (Mama Morton) can be seen around town with her band, Tori Roze and The Hot Mess. "Over the last year I have exclusively been with the band but I missed musical theatre. It's fabulous to be back and Mama is the perfect heavy-hitting character, she is edgy and pushy. I intend to bring a little bit of gay-orientation to the role too. I am incredibly proud of the talent level in this show. Chrissy's directing decisions are taking us to another level with the atmosphere and technology. It will be a multimedia vaudevillian extravaganza!"

Coronado Playhouse is partnering with Make-A-Wish San Diego during this show. Audience members are invited to donate as the hat is passed. Patrons may be "arrested" during performances, to secure release from the cellblock, a "donation" will be exacted - to make a child's wish come true. To find out more about donations, please go to sandiego.wish.org.

Join The Rage Monthly for LGBT Night: Out On The Island on Thursday, January 23 for a pre-show mixer at 6:30 p.m. including complimentary beer and wine, appetizers, cocktail specials and admission to the show for just $25 per person.

"Chicago" runs Friday, January 17 through Sunday, February 23 at the Coronado Playhouse. For tickets and more information call 619.435.4856 or go to coronadoplayhouse.com