Chicago Cop Investigated For Demanding Sex From Trans Woman Or Face Jail Time

(image via Flickr/Paul Woolrich - CC license)

A transgender woman alleges a Chicago Police sargeant forced her to perform oral sex on him to avoid being arrested.

On March 5, the woman arrived at Rush University Medical Center and told the staff she had been sexually assaulted, reports the Chicago Tribune.

According to the unnamed woman, she was in an area on Fifth Avenue in the Lawndale neighborhood known for prostitution. She admitted she was with a man who she referred to as her boyfriend.

A Chicago police car pulled up and asked her what she was doing in the area. The woman says she explained she was “going home.”

According to her statement via police report, he allegedly told her that if she didn’t want to go to jail she would have to perform oral sex on him saying, “Because that’s what you do.”

She says she was ordered to get in the front seat of his car, and the sargeant drove off leaving her male companion there.

He allegedly stopped in an alley, exposed himself and ordered her to perform the sex act in the vehicle. At some point, the woman says she was able to preserve DNA evidence.

During the alleged sex act, the 39-year-old woman says the officer told her, “I can make you one of my regulars.”

At the hospital, she gave staffers the DNA evidence that she said would prove her story.

But she left the hospital before filing a police report saying she was fearful of “retaliation” by police officers.

Eventually, police detectives were able to discern the woman’s identity but found contacting her to be difficult. At the same time, detectives searched through surveillance video in the area she said the assault took place.

Weeks later, detectives became aware the woman was in police custody for a shoplifting charge and were able to interview her.

The Tribune reports that the Chicago Police Department “stripped the officer of his police powers on April 6 based on the findings of an internal investigation.

A week later, the sergeant was allowed to officially retire from CPD without being charged in connection with the alleged assault.

Police say they are still awaiting the results of DNA testing.

According to the Tribune, this isn't the officer's first brush with internal police charges.

In 1997, he was investigated after it was discovered he threatened to plant drugs on a suspect unless they handed over a gun. While Internal Affairs recommended he be fired, he was eventually given a 30-day suspension.

Parody: Merry Murderesses Of Westeros "Game Of Thrones (Cellblock) Tango"

With the premiere of the eighth and final season of HBO's Game of Thrones set for April 14, uber-talented Allison Lane and creative partner Chris Ritter serve up this delightful parody of Chicago the Musical's "Cellblock Tango."

Only here, we are celebrating the merry murderesses of Westeros!

Watch Arya Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, Lady Olenna Tyrell, Sansa Stark, Brienne of Tarth, & Cersei Lannister explain why all those men "Had It Comin"!

I've previously shared Allison's work here, here, here and here.

Hit the play button below. Happy Saturday!

Chicago Is Suing Jussie Smollett For $130K Investigation

Jussie Smollett

Just when we thought the whole Jussie Smollett debacle was done and done, the city of Chicago has announced it may file a lawsuit in an attempt to recoup expenses for the cost of investigating his alleged late-night attack.

In late January, Smollett filed a police report alleging he was assaulted by two masked men who beat him, poured an unknown liquid over his head and put a noose around his neck - all while reportedly shouting homophobic and racist slurs.

As reported here on The Randy Report, the investigation eventually turned to Smollett, and he was charged with 16 counts of filing a false police report.

Last week, the charges were abruptly dropped.

Two days later, the city sent the Empire actor a bill for $130,000 for expenses related to the police investigation.

Smollett apparently has no interest in paying the bill.

Via Variety:

“Mr. Smollett has refused to reimburse the City of Chicago for the cost of police overtime spent investigating his false police report on Jan. 29, 2019,” the city said. “The Law Department is now drafting a civil complaint that will be filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County… The Law Department will file the suit in the near future. As part of this legal action, the Law Department will pursue the full measure of damages allowed under the ordinance.”

Smollett maintains he is innocent.

“It is the Mayor and the Police Chief who owe Jussie an apology — for dragging an innocent man’s character through the mud," his lawyer has previously told the press. "Jussie has paid enough.”

Chicago Elects First Black Female & First Openly LGBTQ Mayor

Lori Lightfoot (courtesy of Lightfoot campaign)

In a historic race, Lori Lightfoot has been elected mayor of Chicago, Illinois.

The achievement makes the 56-year-old the first openly LGBTQ person - and the first Black female - to serve as mayor of Chicago.

Lightfoot will be the only current Black lesbian mayor in the United States.

View this post on Instagram

Sweeping all 50 wards of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot on Tuesday became the first LGBTQ person elected mayor of that major American city. . "Out there tonight, a lot of little girls and boys are watching. They're watching us, and they're seeing the beginning of something, well, a little bit different," Lightfoot, 56, who is also the first black woman elected mayor in the country’s third-largest city, told a jubilant crowd at a downtown hotel. "They're seeing a city reborn." . Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, CEO of Victory Fund, a nonpartisan organization that promotes LGBTQ candidates, hailed Lightfoot’s groundbreaking victory. . “A Black lesbian taking power in the nation’s third-largest city is a historic moment for so many communities that are too often ignored in American politics," Parker, who is a lesbian, said in a statement shared with NBC News. . “Lori will certainly remain focused on the issues facing Chicago,” Parker continued, “but as the highest-ranking LGBTQ person ever elected mayor of an American city — a title she takes from me — she is also now a key leader in the movement to build LGBTQ political power nationwide.”

A post shared by NBC OUT (@nbcout) on Apr 3, 2019 at 4:09pm PDT

Chicago is now the largest city ever to elect a queer person to mayor. That distinction was previously held by former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who served from 2010-2016.

Parker, who current serves as executive director of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, praised Lightfoot in a statement.

“A Black lesbian taking power in the nation’s third-largest city is a historic moment for so many communities that are too often ignored in American politics,” said Parker. “Chicago’s enormous influence on the national dialogue provides a platform for Lori to promote more inclusive solutions to the challenges facing our cities and nation – and to be a credible messenger as well."

"Lori will certainly remain focused on the issues facing Chicago," Parker added. "But as the highest-ranking LGBTQ person ever elected mayor of an American city – a title she takes from me – she is also now a key leader in the movement to build LGBTQ political power nationwide.”

Lightfoot, who had served as president of the Chicago Police Board, is a former federal prosecutor.

She campaigned on ridding the city of government corruption as well as helping lower/middle income families she believes have been left behind or ignored

Lightfoot will succeed Mayor Rahm Emanuel on May 20.

But wait - there's more!

With 62 percent of the vote, Satya Rhodes Conway bested longtime Mayor Paul Soglin becoming the first openly gay (and second female) Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin.

And in Kansas City, Missouri, city councilwoman Jolie Justus was the top vote-getter among 11 candidates in that mayoral race earning her a one of two spots in the June 18 general election. 

Justus, who is openly lesbian, is a former two-term state senator. She garnered 23 percent of the vote while second place went to Councilman Quinton Lucas, who earned 18 percent.

Two Men Arrested In Connection To Alleged Attack On EMPIRE Star Jussie Smollett

Jussie Smollett

The Chicago Police Department has announced the arrests of two men in connection to the alleged homophobic attack on Empire star Jussie Smollett.

According to CNN, the men are the same that were previously identified in surveillance video as “persons of interest.”

Tom Ahern, Chicago Police communications deputy director, told the press that the men are being viewed as “potential suspects,” but have not been charged at this time.

The men were taken into custody for questioning Wednesday night at O’Hare Airport as they returned from a trip to Nigeria.

One of the men previously pleaded guilty to aggravated battery in 2012, and was sentenced to 2 years of probation, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Earlier today, CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said detectives “had probable cause that they may have been involved in an alleged crime.” Guglielmi didn’t specify what the alleged crime might have been.

"Interrogations will resume today with the two individuals and their attorney," Guglielmi said in his statement. "While we haven't found any video documenting the alleged attack, there is also no evidence to say that this is a hoax."

Smollett told the authorities that on January 29, he was attacked by two men who assaulted him, put a noose around his neck and poured an undetermined liquid on him. According to Smollett, the men used homophobic and racial slurs during the attack as well as yelling, “This is MAGA country!”

On Thursday, the CPD shared they had identified the two men, reportedly brothers from Nigeria, using surveillance cameras, public transportation records and corroborating info provided by Smollett.

Chicago news station CBS2 reports police raided the home of the two men finding bleach, shoes, electronics and more.

According to their lawyer, Gloria Schmidt, the men know Smollett as at least one of them has reportedly worked as an extra on Empire.

"They do know Jussie,” she told CBS2. “They have worked with him on Empire. My preliminary investigations show that on set it’s very tight. They’re all very cordial with each other, so they’re baffled why they are people of interest.”

There were conflicting press reports Thursday night as some outlets claimed the Chicago Police Department was looking into whether Smollett staged the attack himself and falsely reported the crime.

Among the theories was that Smollett might have faked the assault to raise his profile as his character on Empire was to be written off the series.

But Guglielmi announced via Twitter that media reports alleging the attack was a “hoax” were “unconfirmed by case detectives.”

The police spokesman added that media sources regarding the attack are “uninformed and inaccurate.”

Media reports anout the Empire incident being a hoax are unconfirmed by case detectives. Supt Eddie Johnson has contacted @ABC7Chicago to state on the record that we have no evidence to support their reporting and their supposed CPD sources are uninformed and inaccurate. pic.twitter.com/iSO5YFv452

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) February 15, 2019

Additionally, 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Entertainment released the following statement regarding the reports:

“The idea that Jussie Smollett has been, or would be, written off of EMPIRE is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him.”

BREAKING: Fox has released a statement firmly standing behind the actor:

“The idea that Jussie Smollet has been, or would be, written off of Empire is patently ridiculous. He remains a core player on this very successful series and we continue to stand behind him.”

— Zach Stafford (@ZachStafford) February 15, 2019

Gay Republican Fired For Calling Police On Woman Using A Coupon

MorryMatson, former employee of CVS Heath in Chicago

After a CVS Health store manager called the Chicago police on a black woman who was merely trying to use a manufacturer's coupon, the drug store chain has announced the manager and his assistant have been fired for their discriminatory actions.

Here's CVS's statement issued today via Chicago's :

"We have sincerely apologized to Ms. Hudson for her experience in one of our Chicago stores. Our Region Director in Chicago contacted her as soon as we were made aware of this incident. We have completed our investigation, and as a result the two colleagues who were involved are no longer employed by CVS Health. CVS Health does not tolerate any practices that discriminate against any customer and we are committed to maintaining a welcoming and diverse environment in our stores. We have firm non-discrimination policies in place to help ensure that all customers are treated with respect and dignity. Profiling or any other type of discriminatory behavior is strictly prohibited."

Last week I reported on the incident where Camilla Hudson tried to use the coupon at the CVS on North Broadway near Loyola University.

Hudson captured the incident on cellphone video and posted it to her Facebook page. The video shows manager Morry Matson literally shaking as he calls 911.

Matson told her Hudson wouldn't accept the coupon and accused her of forging the coupon.

Matson says he was a delegate for President Trump during his 2016 campaign and is running for alderman of Chicago's 48th Ward.

Shortly after the incident was reported and went viral, Matson's campaign site went dark.

Matson was also the president of the Illinois chapter of Log Cabin Republicans.

But according to a statement given to BlockClubChicago by Gregory T. Angelo, national president of the Log Cabin Republicans, the Illinois state charter has been revoked.

Log Cabin Republicans Chapter Leaders have a duty to conduct themselves in a manner becoming of an organization advocating equality and inclusion of all Americans — whether or not they are acting in an official capacity on behalf of LCR or otherwise. As news articles highlighting Mr. Matson’s actions from this past weekend show, not doing so can have detrimental consequences not only for individual Chapters, but for the national organization as a whole. As such, the provisional charter afforded to LCR Illinois under its newly reconstituted leadership has been terminated.

Postmodern Jukebox: "Single Ladies" ft. Ariana Savalas In Vintage "Chicago" Style

I'm a big Postmodern Jukebox fan, love what they do reinventing today's pop songs in other idioms.

This time around Scott Bradlee and his crew gives Beyonce's "Single Ladies" a vintage Chicago the Musical style. Great reframing of the song musically - you can check it out on iTunes here.

That said, I'm not sure the Fosse dancer in me buys the choreography here. Great ideas in the staging, just not quite on point stylistically.

They’ve amassed over 300 million YouTube views, 1.4 million subscribers, have performed on “Good Morning America,” topped iTunes/Billboard charts and been covered by NPR, Mother Jones, HuffPost, Mashable, LA Times, etc.

PMJ is currently touring the world, with more than 100 dates on sale for 2015 and 2016. Check out the group’s complete tour schedule here.

Broadway: CHICAGO the Musical Welcomes Back Four Original Stars

On Sunday evening, November 23, a Broadway show near and dear to my heart will reach a huge milestone.

On that date, the current company of Broadway's record-breaking hit musical CHICAGO will welcome back its four original stars -- Tony Award winners Ann Reinking, Bebe Neuwirth, James Naughton and Joel Grey.

That evening, CHICAGO will surpass the run of iconic Broadway blockbuster "Cats" with a record-breaking 7,486 performances, making it the second longest-running show in Broadway history.

Only one show -- "The Phantom of the Opera" -- will have run longer than CHICAGO.

Reinking, Neuwirth, Naughton and Grey -- who originated the acclaimed roles of Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn and Amos Hart, respectively -- will each make cameo appearances at various points in the milestone performance.

As regular readers of The Randy Report know, I was fortunate to be one of the earliest replacements in the Broadway revival of CHICAGO back in 1998. I performed in the Broadway company at the Shubert Theatre, and toured with the show in the US and internationally with five other companies.

My run with the show - off and on - stretched from August 1998 to July 2013, when I was asked to come back and be a part of the show at the Hollywood Bowl. In addition, I've been able to explore the brilliant material as a choreographer, staging the show four times. CHICAGO has been a gift that keeps giving.

The revival of CHICAGO first began in May 1996 with a weekend presentation as part of City Center's acclaimed Encores! series.

At the time, that brief four-performance engagement of CHICAGO -- helmed by director Walter Bobbie and choreographer Ann Reinking -- was the top-grossing production in the history of Encores!.

Produced by Barry & Fran Weissler, CHICAGO opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on November 14, 1996. It transferred to the Shubert Theatre in February 1997, and subsequently transferred to the Ambassador Theatre in January of 2003.

CHICAGO received six 1997 Tony Awards for Best Musical Revival, Best Direction of a Musical (Walter Bobbie), Best Choreography (Ann Reinking), Best Lighting Design (Ken Billington), Best Leading Actress in a Musical (Bebe Neuwirth) and Best Leading Actor in a Musical (James Naughton).

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids.

Congratulations CHICAGO!

With Ann Reinking celebrating the 2nd Anniversary of CHICAGO revival on Broadway

With the National company of CHICAGO in Las Vegas 1999

Back in CHICAGO blacks one more time - Hollywood Bowl 2013.
I had just turned 50 years old. Giving a little CHICAGO 'attitude.'

(via press release)

Sears supports same-sex marriage

Sears brought four same-sex couples to Chicago Pride where they were married aboard a float during the recent Chicago Pride Parade.

It's worth noting that not every major retailer - and who's more MAJOR than Sear? - makes such support for same-sex marriage so clear and unequivocal.

As a gay man married over a decade (with my husband for almost 20 years) I never did the wedding registry thing. We were a little ahead of the retail world in that respect.  But sure wish I had. Sears welcomes same-sex couples at their wedding registry.

Let's face it - every young (or old) couple starting out together can use some wedding gifts. And Sears is happy to welcome you.  (Where else do you buy your washer/dryer and other appliances???)

Not every store out there is willing to put that out there in such public terms.

Thanks Sears!

"CHICAGO at the Hollywood Bowl" wins Broadway World "Best Special Theatre Event" Award

Last summer, I was flattered and thrilled to be asked to step back into CHICAGO the Musical (which I was fortunate to perform in on Broadway, National and International companies) at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

It was a fun, fast and fantastic experience to be onstage again in a show I always loved being a part of.

Today it was announced that the production of CHICAGO the Musical at the Hollywood Bowl won a Broadway World Award for "Best Special Theatre Event."

Congrats to the whole cast, crew and especially Gregory Butler who handled the choreographic duties and Brooke Shields who directed the production with insight and professionalism.

You can check out some "behind the scenes" blog posts from the rehearsal period here, here, here, here and here.

The experience was one of the very best of my career onstage.  Everyone was great to work with - some old friends, some new.

Glad to see this chapter close on such a high note.

Hollywood Bowl cast of CHICAGO the Musical with the fab Brooke Shields

Frozen Chicago under the "Polar Vortex"

Courtesy of pilot Hank Cain, this pic (shared via Twitter) of Chicago under the "Polar Vortex" shows a beautiful but frozen perspective of the Windy City under the harsh, frigid temperature.

Click the image to enlarge.

Very nice way to start the year

Last year in late January, I was fortunate to be asked to choreograph Chicago the Musical for San Diego Musical Theater.  You can read a bit about the adventure here and here.

And there was a very special moment for me that happened during the rehearsal period that I'll always remember.  You can read about that here.

Anyway....

Today, I received word that The San Diego Theatre Critics Circle has announced their 2013 Craig Noel Award Nominations, and the production of Chicago I choreographed received four nominations (with a special something in there for me):

• Outstanding Resident Musical Chicago
• Outstanding Choreography – Randy Slovacek  (me?  wow!)  Chicago
• Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical, Female – Emma Radwick as "Roxie Hart" Chicago
• Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, Male – Alonzo Saunders as "Mary Sunshine" Chicago

I'm thrilled that the production was acknowledged, and very honored to see my name included for choreography.  San Diego has a very vibrant, rich theatre community, so to be included is honor enough.

Very, very snazzy.  Thank you San Diego Theatre Critics!

The awards are in February, so Michael and I will be taking a field trip down to SD to enjoy the reunion with cast and creative team, and celebrate with all the nominees.

You can see the full list of nominees here.

Congratulations to everyone!  Very cool was to start 2014!

Bebe Neuwirth heads back to Broadway's CHICAGO as "Mama Morton"

Bebe Neuwirth

Two-time Tony Award winner Bebe Neuwirth is heading to her third starring role in the Broadway hit CHICAGO the Musical:

"Simply put, Bebe Neuwirth is Chicago," said producer Barry Weissler in a statement. "When the revival opened 17 years ago, Bebe was honored with a Tony Award, an Astaire Award, a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama League Award for her unequalled performance as Velma Kelly. Hers was the performance of the season, and it made an indelible and lasting mark in the history of Broadway theatre. Ten years later, she rejoined the company to star as Roxie Hart, and the results were equally spectacular. And this January she's back again, now as Matron 'Mama' Morton, making her the first leading lady in Broadway history to play all three principal roles. I'll say it again: Bebe Neuwirth is Chicago."

Bebe heads back to the cellblock Jan. 14, 2014, and will continue through March 9 at the Ambassador Theatre.

I've known Bebe casually for years.  She is a great talent, and understands CHICAGO like no one else.

Next year, expect the announcement when she takes on "Billy Flynn."

Don't laugh. She could do it :)

Holiday video: All Chicago Gay Hockey Assn "All I Want For Christmas"

Very cute video from the players of the CGHA.  What they might lack in musical skills they more than make up for in their sense of fun.  AND they have a very special holiday message for you!

We want you to put aside your differences. And to spend some time getting closer to your family and friends. If you take a step back and look, you may surprise yourself with how much you have in common with people. The person next to you on the train could become your best friend. After all, aren't we all just looking for love? Don't forget to laugh a little. And sing a little. Happy Holidays y'all!

The Chicago Gay Hockey Association (CGHA) is Chicago's Official gay hockey organization. You can follow them on Twitter @ChiGayHockey

Their mission is to provide a non-discriminatory environment within the hockey community. They invite all people with a passion for ice hockey -- novice or pro, male or female, straight or gay -- to contact them, learn to skate, play on a team, volunteer for social events, come to the games, and join the organization.

I think they look like a lot of fun.

(h/t Towleroad)

Broadway: CHICAGO the Musical to celebrate 7,000th performance

On Tuesday, September 24, the Tony Award-winning stage musical CHICAGO will celebrate a huge milestone with its 7,000th performance on Broadway.

Only twice before has this occurred in Broadway history -- by CATS (which closed in its 18th year after 7,485 performances) and The Phantom of the Opera (now in its 26th year).

When I first read the news about the 7,000th performance, I thought of my friends still in the Broadway company now for many, many years. And I warmly reflected "God, think of their pension accounts." :)

Feels cool that I reconnected with the show again this year at the Hollywood Bowl and Sacramento Music Circus. I was lucky to be a part of the show on Broadway and in the national & international touring companies for over 8 years. And I've been fortunate to explore the show as a choreographer several times.

I never get tired of the show. Clearly audiences feel the same :)

Congrats to the kids down at the Ambassador Theatre. And all that jazz...

Me this past July performing in the Hollywood Bowl production of CHICAGO

(source)

Road to CHICAGO - Lost and found

My friend Juliet Fischer-Schulein, who just completed the run of CHICAGO the Musical at Sacramento Music Circus as our "Go-To-Hell Kitty," has written a compelling essay about why we perform, how "the life" finds us, how we find it again and what it can mean.

Here's an excerpt:

My road to Chicago is at an end, and it has been a fabulous ride! I have gotten more out of this than I can possibly explain in words, but I will do my best.

This road actually started 10 years ago. The day I became a Mother was of course the best day of my life. But there was a massive change in my actual being. As an actor, we are by nature selfish, we have to be. We ARE the product we are selling, which is why we bore you to death with our resume or how fabulous we were in our last job. It’s the equivalent of you talking Insurance, Computers or what ever vocation you have chosen. But once you bring a child into this world, life ceases being about you. Everything, from a burp to a smile becomes about your baby, and rightfully so.

It was a change I was happy to make. Because the whole time I’m thinking in the back of my head that of course I’ll go back to performing. I just have to wait till the baby is a little older. And then they’re 3 and a second one comes along and again, I’m happy to wait. The shift happens gradually. You exchange your 3’ heels for flip flops. You go from ‘full beat’ makeup, to being happy if you put on chapstick. You go from dressing to the Nines, to….. well, just dressing. You exchange late nights and ‘show folks’ for suburbia and really nice ‘normal’ people.

Juliet Fischer was slowly packed away, and Juliet Schulein aka, Jackson and Cole’s mom became my identity. And I like her, I do! But it was like trying to fit in to a world of Penguins when your really a Peacock. I did my best to tone down and keep my feathers hidden. I didn’t always succeed, but I did pretty good. And then one day you look up and 10 years has gone by. The ‘comeback’ didn’t come.

I encourage you to read the rest of Juliet's story on her website here. I think it's pretty grown up and all that jazz. The lesson, as it seems to me, is: it's ok to have it all. It's ok to have the kids AND our dreams AND our passions. I think it's something everyone can think about.

Juliet made me look fab as the choreographer of CHICAGO. I can't thank her and the cast enough for bringing their talent and jumping in the sandbox with me. It was fun. Who says that about work very often?

p.s. can we talk about the picture above? When you've got a Porsche, you don't keep it in a garage... just saying...

Video montage of CHICAGO the Musical at Sacramento Music Circus

I've gotten some emails asking about video from my recent production of CHICAGO the Musical at Sacramento Music Circus. Well, they've just posted a montage of clips from the show. So, here you go.  Check out the video below. 

From Sacramento Music Circus:

The Music Circus production of the musical "Chicago" at the Wells Fargo Pavilion August 20-29, 2013. Directed by Ron Kellum, choreographed by Randy Slovacek. Brenda Braxton (Velma Kelly), Lindsay Roginski (Roxie Hart), Tom Hewitt (Billy Flynn), Roz Ryan (Matron "Mama" Morton), Ric Stoneback (Amos Hart).

First time ever at Music Circus, the sizzling, sexy Kander and Ebb smash hit, newly choreographed by Randy Slovacek in the style of Bob Fosse. An edge-of-your-seat story of sin, corruption, betrayal and all that jazz, with knockout dancing and one show-stopper after another. Featuring the songs "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle," "Cell Block Tango."

And in case you're interested, here's what the critics had to say - no editing, just the full reviews:

Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Press

Appeal Democrat

BroadwayWorld

The critics have their say about CHICAGO at Sacramento Music Circus

Congrats to the entire cast and crew of CHICAGO the Musical at Sacramento Music Circus! Well-earned 4 star review. Very proud of you all.

And there's something nice said about me, but that's not the point :)

All that Fosse. And yes it can be said here, “All that Jazz” has finally come to the Music Circus. The deconstructed but still fully entertaining 1996 revival of the Bob Fosse, John Kander and Fred Ebb musical “Chicago” almost nonchalantly sizzles as its sexy cast struts across the circular stage. From the first entrance of Aaron Felske’s bare-armed announcer there were hoots and wolf whistles from the crowd, and that could have gone on forever as the cast supplied beefcake and cheesecake all night long.

That type of purient sexuality would eventually become part of the production’s furniture (if the bare set actually had any beyond a few chairs) because the seductive boudoir-based costumes never change. The women in black bras, garter belts and stockings don’t ever cover up. The men in black trousers and open black vests never change, either. Still, to focus solely on the Fosse-centric celebration of the flesh would miss the point. The greatness of this revival remains how it distills the spectacular original 1975 production and somehow, less really does become more.

Based on a 1926 play called “Chicago” by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a journalist turned playwright and screenwriter who covered the real-life sensational murder trials that form the basis of the fictional story, Fosse seized on the satirical possibilities. Watkins’ reporting and play focused on two accused women who claimed to be corrupted by men and the breathless coverage their “stories” in Chicago’s seven daily papers of the time. Fosse turned it all into a cynical, winking homage to vaudeville and show business.

(Roz) Ryan confidently belts “When You’re Good to Mama” while the beautifully voiced (Tom) Hewitt has superb turns on “All I Care About” and the comic masterpiece “We Both Reached For the Gun.” Ric Stoneback’s Amos Hart takes on the somber Bert Williams tribute “Mr. Cellophane” and Hewitt nearly stops the show with “Razzle Dazzle.” The ensemble’s fabulous Fosse-inspired dancing was finely choreographed by Randy Slovacek.

It’s hard to believe the Music Circus has never staged “Chicago” before, but this top-shelf, extended-run production makes up for much of that omission.

FOX40 had this to say: "Had a great time at Sacramento Music Circus' last show of the season - CHICAGO was awesome. This is the first time that 'Chicago' has been performed in the round. If you've seen 'Chicago' before, you've never seen it like this!"

UPDATE: A few more reviews have come in, so to be fair, I thought I'd include them also:

Sacramento Press

Appeal Democrat

BroadwayWorld

Opening night pics of CHICAGO the Musical at Sacramento Music Circus

What an amazing opening night for Sacramento Music Circus' production of CHICAGO the Musical! The entire cast and crew delivered some serious "razzle dazzle" and all that jazz. I am so proud of this fab company.

The production is unlike any other of CHICAGO, not only by virtue of the fact that it's IN THE ROUND but I was lucky to work with fantastic dancers who helped create new choreography in the style of Bob Fosse that hasn't been seen in the show before.

If you're in the area, get a ticket to see this fab cast and crew do their thing. Click here for info.

Take a look at some pics from opening night below.

UPDATE: The production received a rave, four-star review from Sacramento's major newspaper.  Very, very proud of the entire cast and crew - the kind words are well-deserved for their effort and artistry.  I don't take credit as it is their talent and imagination are what truly bring this show to life.

All photos by Charr Crail.

Brenda Braxton and company - "All That Jazz"

Aaron Felske and Lindsay Roginski - "Funny Honey"

The ladies of "Cellblock Tango"

"We Want Billy"

Tom Hewitt and ladies in "All I Care About Is Love"

Lindsay Roginski as "Roxie"

Tom Hewitt and company - "Razzle Dazzle"

Roz Ryan and Brenda Braxton - "Class"

Lindsay Roginski and Brenda Braxton - "Nowadays"

Brenda Braxton and Lindsay Roginski - "Nowadays"

Me checking out the lights at a tech rehearsal before opening night

It's the Day of Show in Sacramento!

The show photographer snapped this of me while I was checking some lights during a final tech rehearsal

CHICAGO the Musical opens tonight at Sacramento Music Circus! What an adventure this has been. Big thanks to Glenn Casale and Scott Klier for giving me to opportunity to play in their sandbox. The cast and crew have been uber-amazing and I couldn't be more proud of the work they've done. And of course, my director Ron Kellum.

Thank god for my associate Kathryn Murphy for her great work not only on the choreography side of things, but her fab performance as "Hunyak" - easily one of the high points in the show.

Lindsay Roginski is gorgeous, and Tom Hewitt deserves every praise and accolade (and Tony Award nomination) you've ever heard about him. He is a god among "Billy Flynns." It goes without saying how great it is to reunite with Brenda Braxton and Roz Ryan. As expected, all hold the audience in the palm of their hands each time they take the stage.

And then there's the ensemble - the backbone of the American Musical, as I like to call them.  I've done the show with so many of this group as a fellow actor; getting to explore this piece with them now in the role of choreographer has been a gift.  Mark Reis, Juliet Fischer, Christine Bokhour, Chris Holly, Destan Owens, Chuck Seculla, Evelyn Tonn, Melanie Waldron, Leslie Stevens, Adam Pellegrine, Aaron Felske and Chris Houston.

If you're in the Sacramento area, please come see these fab creative folks.  More info about the show on the Sacramento Music Circus website.

I salute all of you who did not panic or crack under the pressure of this pretty tight rehearsal period.  You rock.

Kick, ball change kids.

And all that jazz...