For the very first time, One Night on Broadway unveils the iconic Broadway musical, Chicago, primarily based on Maurine Dallas Watkins’ 1926 play, inspired by a genuine news story, and adapted into Arabic. The fearless artist behind this enterprising project is none other than Roy Elkhouri, a passionate Broadway dance choreographer who has carved his path with persistence and talent, marking this one-of-a-kind experience a first in Lebanon. Performed by a faultless cast, the musical unfolded in splendor at the Casino du Liban.
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Crime, celebrity, and corruption are the driving forces behind the hit musical Chicago, which has garnered 5 Drama Desk Awards, 6 Tony Awards, a Grammy Award, and is currently the longest-running show on Broadway. Adapted into a film in 2002, it also encountered a huge success. Now, as per the initiative and under the direction and staging of Roy Elkhouri, the 1920s Chicago atmosphere is brought to Beirut, where for two hours and a half, time stands still.
The cast of Chicago in Arabic, a bouquet of renowned artists, showcased their expertise and exceptional talent, delighting a Lebanese audience hungry for culture. The theater resonated with the rhythm of Chicago’s music, as a masterfully orchestra was playing live. Led by Elio Kallasi the music was reimagined and majestically performed on stage. The witty Lebanese lyrics were penned by Anthony Adonis, as for the scenography, it was perfectly designed by Prohelmet. Iconic songs such as All that Jazz, Cell Block Tango, When you’re good to Mama, Roxie, Me and my baby, and Mister Cellophane were beautifully adapted and interpreted, both vocally and physically.
As a result, Roxy Hart, Velma Kelly, Billy Flynn, Amos Hart, Matron Mama Morton, Mary Sunshine, and Fred Casely transform respectively into Nancy Nar, Selma Fehmi, Wael Horr, Amin Nar, Mama Dunia, Nour Alshams, and Farid Alaswad. The characters are meticulously and brilliantly portrayed by Cynthya Karam, Mirva Kadi, Roy Elkhouri, Fouad Yammine, Youmna Bouhadir, Matteo Elkhodr, and Ilias Christophoridis. The cast of Chicago bil Aarabi (Chicago in Arabic) is flawless and faultlessly staged, from the graceful Mirva Kadi, to the seductive Roy Elkhouri, to the intrepid Matteo Elkhodr… The imprisoned criminals, Christina, Maya, Cynthia, Lynn, Lauren, and Elissa recount the reasons for their incarceration. The dancers, portraying detectives, journalists, and criminals, deliver a synchronized performance down to the very last step. Movement by movement, they fill the theatrical space, presenting the audience with a seamless choreographic spectacle and guiding the plot’s clear and precise development. The sensual yet classy dance and performance costumes brilliantly reflect the Chicago ambiance, reflecting an innovative Lebanon, free in its culture and flourishing in its art.
Under the Spotlight
Cynthya Karam
After murdering her lover, she is determined to do whatever it takes to be exonerated. Cynthya Karam plays the character of Nancy Nar, effortlessly. She transitions from one acrobatic move to another, both physically and vocally, as she climbs the metaphorical ladder to reach the pinnacle of her acting, singing, and performing abilities. Cynthya Karam displays her multifaceted persona to the audience with boundless generosity. She conveys her passion for art and love for the stage in a Herculean performance. When she sings, she captivates the audience. When she moves, she embraces the space with agility and presence. The stage is hers, as it unites with her sharp, frenzied, rhythmic movements, as well as her seductive, slow, and precise gestures. She captures every eye and grabs everyone’s attention. She is wholly present in soul, body, voice, and gaze. Far from being self-absorbed, she listens, gracefully yields to her fellow actors, and shines brightly as Nancy Nar with no self-awareness at all. Thus, she loses herself onto the vast stage, her cocoon. She outstandingly immerses herself in her character, taking us on a whirlwind journey of laughter and emotion, and above all, appreciation. For one cannot help but appreciate the artist who has not bowed to the laws of celebrity, who has forged her own path through relentless self-improvement, and who trains tirelessly for entire months, enduring physical pain. Onstage, she unveils her physical prowess and unerringly suppresses her breathlessness to catch her breath in a glimpse of a second, through her character’s laughter – a meticulous blend of technical and artistic mastery. Cynthya is born for the stage, giving it her life, and so, at the pinnacle of her career, she makes us tremble with excitement.
Fouad Yammine
As Nancy’s loyal husband, he is willing to do anything to win her love. She manipulates and exploits him, taking it to the extend of having him take the blame on for her murder. Fouad Yammine plays Amos Hart, aka Amin Nar, having skillfully adapted himself Chicago into a blend of Lebanese humor and sociology. Fouad Yammine is also the unpretentious writer and talented actor who moves us with his sensitivity and subtle humor. He is one of those people who remain true to themselves and recognized for their talent and creativity. Far from being “transparent”, a song title he performs, his stage presence is unique. He triggers the audience with his words and interpretation, raising psychological and societal concerns with no pretense. Still, he gives it his best, performing with moving accuracy and authenticity.
The Mama
Matron Mama Morton, or Mama Dunia, is brilliantly portrayed by Youmna Bouhadir. “When you’re good to Mama, Mama’s good to you.” Youmna Bouhadir embodies the image of corruption with flexibility and vivacity. Her powerful voice combined with her skills offers the audience a different performance dimension, one of a liberated actress with an extremely rare and light-footed presence on stage.
Roy Elkhouri
Choreographer and director, Roy Elkhouri is the man behind the remarkable debut of Chicago in Arabic on the Lebanese stage. Roy Elkhouri refines his talent from ALBA to NYFA, Broadway New York. He opens his own performing arts school, Steps, in Lebanon. He garners national awards and takes charge of stage performances and the creation of shows. Roy dreams big and implements his ideas with passion. His ambition matches his dreams’ scale. He envisions Chicago, obtains the show’s license, and adds a masterstroke to his past work. It is from Lebanon itself that this breathtaking spectacle of creativity, rigor, and precision will spread its wings outward. For Chicago in Arabic or Lebanese is indeed made for a regional “Arabic” and even international scope. Passionate about the stage, Roy does not limit himself to creating, executing, training, and orchestrating an entire show; he is also on stage, playing the role of Billy Flynn or Wael Horr, the infallible advocate for women’s rights and the media’s extreme manipulator. Roy Elkhouri’s work is discreet throughout the process and brilliant in its outcome. Stage harmony, ensemble movements, ingenious choreography, unparalleled energy, teamwork, and individual outdoing – all work tools of the man behind Chicago in Arabic. What characterizes Roy goes beyond his meticulous work and the grandeur of his show; it is his human side, the love he has for his task and for his actors, as well as the recognition he holds for each audience member who approaches him to congratulate him. He remains humble and expresses his gratitude with a dignified attitude and a confident smile. Roy Elkhouri is also the one who, since the very first dance classes he gave in Lebanon, always endeavored to bring out the best in his students. He freed them from their inhibitions, persuading them that they could succeed, training them to technique skills and, with utmost humility, to the dream of reaching the stars.
Marie-Christine Tayah
Instagram: @mariechristine. tayah
