The gifted performers of Chicago should really be called ''quadruple threats'', not ''triple threats'', for the musical demands they not only sing, dance and act, they must also look fabulous while doing all three.
The Queenstown Times was privileged to witness the last rehearsal by the Showbiz Queenstown company in its cramped rooms on May 5 before they moved en masse to the minimalist set in the Queenstown Memorial Centre.
Director Bryan Aitken encouraged the dozen singers and dancers to perfect their routines in the remaining days before the limelight, then all uncostumed performers launched into the musical with gusto to live piano accompaniment.
They navigated with confidence and attitude the difficult Cell Block Tango sequence, which involved six femmes fatales strutting their stuff around movable set pieces while telling the audience why they were in chokey.
Principal cast members were rarely off the floor, but when they were they swigged water from bottles and scrutinised the script, before slipping back into character on cue.
There was an occasional call for ''line'' during the rehearsal when memories blanked.
Fiona Stephenson, as wannabe vaudeville star turned murderess Roxie, confessed to doormat husband Amos, played by David Oakley, she cheated on him ''with other women'', instead of ''with other men'', in a rare flub which caused giggles around the room.
''Whatever works,'' Mr Aitken said.
Cut to inside the memorial centre the following night and the company were all dressed in black to give a sneak peak of key solos, duets and routines to about two dozen invited guests.
Mr Aitken, musical director Emma Wilson and choreographer Anna Stuart commented and gave context to Chicago and explained what made it so special in the pantheon of productions by John Kander and Fred Ebb.
The Bob Fosse style of dancing was especially demanding, Mrs Stuart told the audience.
''If it feels incredibly awkward, you've got it right.''
Based on the rehearsal and the sneak peek, the talented Wakatipu cast and crew have made Chicago the hottest ticket in Queenstown in years.
