The award-winning musical Chicago returns to Singapore

By Shamus Sillar
Issue 92 - March 2010

Off to Chicago

With over a decade of decadence on Broadway and London’s West End, Chicago will return to Singapore from 16 April to 9 May 2010, at the Esplanade Theatre. The all-star cast includes the award-winning Sharon Millerchip (Roxie Hart) and Craig McLachlan (Billy Flynn). Sexy, vibrant and above all, humorous, Chicago always delivers with sizzle and timeless class.

For tickets and more information, click here.

This month, the Australian television series Neighbours celebrates its 25th anniversary. The legacy of the show’s glory days in the late 1980s, when Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan were the stars, is evident from the reaction I get from two English colleagues when I mention I’m interviewing Craig McLachlan. They both spin around and say (or squeal, rather): “Henry Ramsay from Neighbours!”

While my colleagues mightn’t have moved on from the late 80s, Craig McLachlan has. Since leaving Ramsay Street, he’s done plenty of TV and film work, played in bands and had a bash at stand-up comedy. But it’s musical theatre that has proven his primary interest, including leading roles in Grease, The Rocky Horror Show and now Chicago.

The tale of nightclub dancer Roxie Hart, whose dreams of stardom go murderously awry, has been seen by an estimated 17 million theatre-goers around the world. The Times in the UK has labelled Chicago “the most exciting musical of its generation”. 

The Australian production is touring Singapore in April and May, starring award-winning Aussie performer Sharon Millerchip as Roxie. Craig plays the role of lawyer, Billy Flynn.

We spoke with the 43-year-old about the upcoming show, Jimi Hendrix, and nudity on Neighbours. 

Been to Chicago? How about Singapore?
Yes, both. Love Chicago. Love Singapore even more.

What’s your favourite 10 seconds on stage in this production of Chicago?
Every second is gold! But Billy’s intro with his lovely ladies is a standout.

Richard Gere, Jerry Springer, even The Hoff – it’s a quirky alumni of actors who’ve played Billy Flynn. What personal stamp are you endeavouring to put on the role?
How about: Best biceps on a Billy!

Would you like to be a lawyer in real life?
No. The last thing the world needs is another lawyer.

Five words on your Chicago co-star Sharon Millerchip.
Funny, fabulous and – sadly – married.

Most people know you’ve played in bands, but they may not know that you pretty much shred on guitar. How many axes do you own? Favourite guitarist?
I have 20-plus guitars: Gibsons, Fenders – you name it, I’ve got it. I’m always playing in the house, in the dressing room, other people’s dressing rooms, recording sessions. As for favourite guitarists, don’t get me started: Hendrix, Ace Frehley, Eddie Van Halen, Satriani, Vai, BB King and Carlos Santana, to name but a few.

Where do you keep your Gold Logie (the Australian version of an Emmy)?
It’s in my apartment in Sydney, keeping my Silver Logies company.

It’s been a few years since you’ve played the part of Frank N Furter. Have you lost the knack of putting on fishnet stockings?
Once Frank gets inside you – and I mean that in the nicest possible way – he never really leaves you.

Most memorable moment on the set of Neighbours?
I always seemed to be wearing very little, and I constantly worried I would end up naked in a scene. Of course, that’s exactly what happened.

What do you miss about Australia when you’re living abroad?
Chiko Rolls, Chokito chocolate bars, and a friendly and familiar “G’day Craig”.


Chicago The Musical is on at the Esplanade Theatre from 16 April to 9 May.
Visit www.sistic.com.sg or call +65 6348 5555 for tickets.