Critical Review

Let’s talk about Fosse

The musical Fosse opened in 1999, in New York. This musical was actually made in tribute to the legend of a choreographer, and follows his life and career by including choreography from many of his most famous shows- including The Pajama Game, Redhead, Sweet Charity, and Chicago.

You can find the original cast recording here.

Ben Brantley published his review of the show on January 15, 1999 in the NY Times. The review is glowing, to say the least. As Brantley concludes the article, he testifies that
“Watching Fosse is something like looking at an album of glossy, uncaptioned photographs. The pictures are arresting and beautifully composed. But it takes your own memories of what they represent to animate those scenes with the sorcery they once possessed; otherwise, they’re just pictures. ” This interesting closing both attests to the beauty of the musical but warns the viewer that coming into the performance with a knowledge of Fosse’s work is critical for the full experience.