Rob Marshall’s tackle “Chicago” is taken into account the gold commonplace of stage-to-screen diversifications, and his adjustments to “Cell Block Tango” are an ideal instance of enhancing the supply materials. “The unique started behind bars after which, the bars broke aside, after which the entire quantity was achieved like that,” he defined. “I believed, ‘Nicely, we are able to begin there after which depart.'” With dramatic lighting, tight digital camera photographs, and Marshall’s implausible choreography, the piece takes on a lifetime of its personal. And due to the costume design of Colleen Atwood, granted a degree of intercourse enchantment that has since grow to be the usual in future stage productions.

“The quantity had a bit S&M vibe to it due to the violence,” Marshall famous. “We have been capable of work with nice boots and straps and issues like that within the ladies’ costumes. So, it is a feminine empowerment quantity.” I could not agree extra. The visuals of ladies clad in fishnets, strappy equipment, and armed with purple cloth to represent the blood of their victims juxtaposed in opposition to drab jail garb as they narrate their tales is completely gorgeous, and on this author’s opinion, an ideal instance of how the cinematic medium can elevate reside theater, somewhat than change it.

Rob Marshall’s subsequent foray into film musicals is the upcoming live-action adaptation of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” due in theaters on Could 26, 2023.