Shady characters: (from left) Happy Lindsay, Richard Fell and Barbara Frith reflect on their roles in the Fosse musical, 'Chicago,' which is set in the city of the same name in the 1920s, described as "a time of hot jazz and cold-blooded killers", The trio have leading roles as Roxy (a murderess), Billy (the lawyer) and Velma (a murderess), respectively.. The show opens on October 11 at City Hall and continues through October 20. Photo by Arthur Bean

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society is off again - this time to 'Chicago', and the curtain will go up on their latest production on October 11.

Meanwhile, cast and crew have moved into high gear building and polishing what they say will be a terrific show.

Written by Bob Fosse, the musical is based on a true story and is set in the 1920s, described as "a time of hot jazz and cold-blooded killers". Velma Kelly (played by Barbara Frith) is a vaudevillian who shot her husband. Roxie (played by Happy Lindsay) is a chorus girl who murdered a night-club regular, Fred Basely, and convinces her husband Amos that the victim was a burglar, so he cheerfully takes the rap. The Police subsequently tell Amos the truth, and he decides to let his wife swing.

Roxie and Velma meet in the womens' jail, which is presided over by matron 'Mamma' Morton, who helps Velma to become the media's top murderer-of-the-week, and acts as booking agent for Velma's return to vaudeville (after her acquittal, of course). Velma doesn't appreciate the presence of Roxie, who is not only stealing her limelight but her lawyer, Billy Flynn (played by Richard Fell). Billy arranges a press conference, which becomes a ventriloquist's act as Roxie mouths the words her lawyer feeds her, as a result of which she becomes the toast of Chicago. Velma's headlines, trial date and career are left in the dust.

Eventually, the two women realise that they can count on no-one but themselves, and the ever-resourceful Roxie invents a pregnancy to put her back in the headlines. Amos proudly proclaims paternity, but is ignored. Billy passes on all Velma's ideas to Roxie, and he eventually secures Roxie's acquittal but, just as the verdict is given, another more sensational crime robs her of the headlines, and Roxie's fleeting celebrity is over. There's nothing for it but to team up with Velma in a sister dance act.

Cast in the lead roles, Mr. Fell, Mrs. Frith and Miss Lindsay declare themselves delighted with their roles. While Mr. Fell and Mrs. Frith are no strangers to the local stage, Miss Lindsay is less well known - a small detail as far as her fellow leads are concerned.

"She's fabulous," Mrs. Frith assures.

For his part, Mr. Fell says that from the moment he saw the original production of 'Chicago' in New York in the 1970s, with Gwen Verdon and Jerry Orbach, it has remained his favourite musical.

"I have always wanted to play the role of Billy Flynn, and now I am. That's show biz! Besides," he adds, "what's not to like about an entrance surrounded by eight, six-foot tall girls bearing ostrich feather fans and very little clothing? It is a fabulous entrance and a wonderful part to play because Billy is a big showman. He is out for Number One and for whoever can pay him the most money."

The talented all-rounder, who has appeared in countless local productions, including many musicals, has three songs in this show, but very little dance. As a lawyer, he is sartorially elegant or, as Mr. Fell puts it, "flash".

He also has high praise for director Jenny Arnold.

"She is passionate, funny, camp, patient and giving," he says.

Surprisingly perhaps, Mrs. Frith, who is well known as a dancer, dance teacher and choreographer, is relishing the change as Velma Kelly.

"It is a fun role with great songs," she says. "I get to do songs with Roxy and Mamma Morton (played by Denise Whitter), and it is wonderful to be working with these great people and doing great material with them. I'm having a great time. That's really why people go into theatre."

She is also looking forward to wearing the costumes of the 1920s, which are being designed by Mrs. Liz Campbell, and which she hears are "very slinky and show lots of leg".

Mrs. Frith is not only enthusiastic about the show, which is being done in its original version, but also the dancers in the chorus.

"They are all professional dancers and dance teachers from Bermuda," she says. "There are boys and girls and it is my privilege to be dancing with them because some of them I had as students. I think the audience is going to be blown away with them because they won't have seen dancing like this for years and years. They are working very hard, and are in so many numbers. I love looking at those kids. They are extremely dedicated and I think the audience will be flabbergasted. Because it is a Fosse musical it is based very heavily on dance, and it will be a pure delight to see."

Modestly, Miss Lindsay describes herself as "totally shocked" at having landed the role of Roxy, even though her colleagues say she has great stage presence.

"Everyone came out of the woodwork to audition because it is such a phenomenal show. I am completely mystified how I got it, but I am definitely very happy.

I fell in love with my role because I am not a dancer," she says. "Roxy is great. She's full of life and fun, but is also manipulative. I want to bring to this role youthful exuberance and energy because Roxy is normally played by a 40-year-old."

'Chicago' represents Miss Lindsay's second appearance in a Gilbert & Sullivan musical, and she has also appeared in cabaret and 'Jesus Christ, Superstar' in London.

As the female lead she has many songs, and says it is a "definite challenge trying to sing and dance at the same time".

She is a voice student of musical director Mr. Mark Dorrell.

The trio is full of praise for others connected with the show, including Mr. Dorrell, former musical director of Britain's prestigious National Theatre; set designer Graham Wynn, and Mrs. Marjorie Stanton.

"We are all extremely privileged to be working with Mark, he is an amazingly brilliant and lovely man," Mrs. Frith says. "The sets look phenomenal, and Marjorie is the glue that holds it all together. Within 12 months the Society has done three shows, and as President, producer and manager she is always there."

'Chicago' opens at City Hall on October 11 and continues through October 20. Curtain time is 8 p.m., and opening night attendees will have the added bonus of a post-performance reception at no extra charge. Tickets ($30) are now available from the Visitors' Service Bureau box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For further information ( 295-1727.