There will be plenty of razzle dazzle at the Royal Theatre this holiday season as the Broadway hit Chicago comes to town later this month.
Whether residents have seen it in New York first-hand or watched the movie adaption featuring Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger, they’ll be able to experience all their favourite toe-tapping tunes live for the first time in Victoria.
“This is the biggest show that’s ever come to the Capital Region,” said Langford Mayor Stew Young, who had a hand in bringing the musical to Greater Victoria. “It’s good for the region, people are coming from all over to see the show. It’s a big event for the area.”
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The Tony-award-winning musical explores the themes of celebrity, scandal and corruption in the 1920s, and centres on Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, two murderesses who find themselves in jail together awaiting trial.
The event is a partnership between the Langford economic development committee (EDC), Bayview Place and Broadway in Victoria. Last year, Langford businesses came together to bring Mamma Mia to the Royal Theatre. But this year, Young set his sights even higher with Chicago.
It’s benefiting local organizations as well. Through the event, the EDC is donating $10,000 to the Goldstream Food Bank, $3,000 to the Langford branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for a holiday dinner, and $1,000 to Another Brick in Nepal’s earthquake relief. Funds will also be donated to Santas Anonymous, the Children’s Health Foundation and the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
“I really appreciate the support of the Langford economic development committee and Langford businesses who step up every year and do it as their arts and culture contribution to the community. They help support this every year. It’s amazing for them to be able to do it,” Young said. “We brought the biggest show. It’s going to be hard to out do ourselves [next year].”
Chicago runs Dec. 18 to 23 at the Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton St. Tickets start at $112. For more information visit rmts.bc.ca.
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kendra.wong@goldstreamgazette.com
