How ironic...I go to the theater in Madrid and decide to see Chicago! It only seemed fitting though. This is one of my favorite musicals and seeing it in another language was hysterical. It was also very interesting to see the differences in the theater. For example, everything was very understated (unlike everything American) so for example the actors wore the same outfit throughout the entire show and the two leads added a jacket here (but only one). Also, there was no set really. The band was on stage upstage and that acted as the set with a few props here and there. Also, they did not have a lightboard in use for most of the show but rather used manual spots. There is nothing wrong with any of this and it is almost better. In the U.S. the set, costumes, lighting, etc is often my favorite part but it is highly distracting.
The show itself was pretty good. It was really entertaining to hear the songs translated and also see a different cultures interpretation of the musical. For example, the choreography had definite spanish influences in certain parts as did the wardrobe. The men were dressed very latin in tight pants and open shirts but did not reflect my perception of the twenties in America. The same went for the women. The wore long blazers and not flapper dresses through most of the show.
The funniest part was probably at the end though after both Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart had been acquitted and in the English version they make a statement that Chicago and America is not as bad as it seems afterall. Only here it was extremely sarcastic almost as a mockery of the line. I found this hilarious but none of the Spaniards around me understood why I was laughing I'm quite sure.
All in all it was a great night at the theater. Now lets see what's in store for this weekend in Lagos and Portugal...
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