‘Chicago’ stars fly in from NY for preview

“The most exciting musical of its generation” (according to The Times UK) is coming to Manila in December, and what do producers Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises and Concertus Manila put together by way of an announcement?

A press briefing? A buffet lunch? Enthusiastic welcome speeches by the sponsors? Video presentations?

All of the above, plus a sneak preview featuring two stars who have been playing lead roles in the musical from Broadway to West End.

In the flesh.

Tuesday last week, Bianca Marroquin (as Roxie Hart) and Terra McLeod (Velma Kelly) traveled 10 hours from the United States to perform for the local press three numbers from the beloved Tony and Olivier winner. It was one big tease package.

“Chicago” in Manila will be staged at the heralded The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino. Presented by Visa and Smart Infinity, the “No. 1 longest-running American musical on Broadway” has been described in many colorful superlatives, among them, “Brassy, saucy and toe-tappingly good—it would be a crime to miss!”

Lunchbox chief executive Jamese Cundall confessed in a video message that “Chicago” is “without a shadow of a doubt,” his favorite musical.

He noted that the show has been seen by 20 million people in 20 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong, where he has produced it.

The Manila run is from Dec. 2 to 21. Cundall called the 1,760-seat theater is an artists’ and producers’ dream venue. (Tickets from P2,000 to P7,500. Call 8919999.)