| The Critics and then some... "Goodwin is a sensational Velma." [Howard Kissel, New York Daily News] "...utterly dynamic co-star Deidre Goodwin...a veteran of the show, is a singing and dancing powerhouse who hits every one of her numbers out of the park." [Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter] "...a tart and sinuous Deidre Goodwin, who effectively steals the show as Velma Kelly..." [Clive Barnes, New York Post] "The other star inmate in Chicago's Cook County Jail, Velma Kelly, is currently played by Deidre Goodwin, and she's superb, bringing incisive style and edge to this other quick-on-the-trigger aspiring showbiz diva." [Clive Barnes, New York Post] "The two main mayhem ladies, Nana Visitor and Deidre Goodwin, newcomers to the show as those two glamour-puss killers Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, both have a lovely showbiz gusto, belt out their songs with grace and dance Reinking's Fosse-accented choreography with just the right snap and bite." [Clive Barnes, New York Post] "So, first let's congratulate the current cast...tall, dark, sexy Deidre Goodwin, who left the hit NINE to return and play Velma once again." [Liz Smith, Syndicated Columnist] "The current Velma, Deidre Goodwin, hails from the NINE revival...and also appeared in the CHICAGO film. Goodwin's a fine dancer with all the right, slinky moves, and she sings well." [Ken Mandelbaum, Broadway.com] "...starting with Deidre Goodwin, a sassy, almost purring Velma Kelly. As another merry murderess, Goodwin, who has the best toned body on Broadway, breezes through both "I Can't Do It Alone" and "When Velma Takes the Stand," two of the showiest songs in the production." [Michael Kuchwara, Associated Press] "Deidre Goodwin, P.J. Benjamin, and Brent Barrett aren't marquee stars, but they're Broadway troupers. And they razzle-dazzle." [Critic, Entertainment Weekly] "...rubber-limbed Deidre Goodwin..." [Ben Brantley, New York Times] "Deidre Goodwin is a new kind of Velma Kelly- tall, statuesque, and muscular." [Linda Winer, Newsday] "Deidre Goodwin makes a surprisingly good-natured Velma." [Michael Sommers, Star-Ledger] "Deidre Goodwin is back as Velma Kelly...her powerful pipes and even more powerful body help her bring off the role." [Terry Teachout/ Demolition Angel, Arts Journal] "...Velma Kelly, played with superb power and athleticism, as well as wit, by Deidre Goodwin." [Steve Callahan, Fox Theatre Reviews] "Deidre Goodwin is a statuesque and sinuous Velma in the mode of last year's Stephanie Pope. Together they [Goodwin and Belle Calaway] are a satisfying compliment and contrast- pepper and salt, sweet and tart, angle and curve." [Christopher Rawson, Post-Gazette] "Deidre Goodwin is technically impeccable as Velma..." [Lawson Taitte, Guide Live Dallas Morning News] "Deidre Goodwin's Velma was also outstanding and both dancers closed the show with a real crowd-pleaser in 'Hot Honey Rag.'" [Joe Blenkle, Sacramento Stage and Theatre] "In the other co-starring female role of Velma Kelly, the beautiful, shapely Deidre Goodwin approaches her vixen role of the Cook County cell block honey and frustrated vaudevillian with more than enough kinetic energy, plenty of sardonic humor and superb dances moves that are a perfect compliment to Ms. Calaway's. Her singing is powerful and throaty." [Richard Gist, Baltimore-Washington Theatre Reviews] "Deidre Goodwin could move her head and every joint and limb in any direction she pleased." [Roberta E. Zlokower, Explore Dance] "Deidre Goodwin is a lioness of sorts. She�s the kind of performer who is as fiercely protective and nurturing of her talent as Elsa was of her cubs in the 1966 sudser �Born Free.� With her long, muscular limbs and shrewd, darting eyes, she is always on the hunt for prey. Sometimes that takes the form of a man; other times it�s a musical number. Either way, she tears into whoever or whatever she�s doing with considerable intelligence and feline ferocity...Goodwin is thrilling to watch, because she�s dangerous, a dark, albeit brilliant force that could just as easily fill a stadium as a stage with her powerful presence, quick turns, high kicks, scissor splits, and deep contralto." [Hilton Als, New Yorker] "...Eugene Fleming and Deidre Goodwin, who inject some welcome, loose-limbed sensuality." [Ben Brantley, New York Times] "The others, including Eugene Fleming and Deidre Goodwin...are dandy." [Clive Barnes, New York Post] "Eugene Fleming and Deidre Goodwin are a sizzling team." [Liz Smith, Syndicated Columnist] "Eugene Fleming and Deidre Goodwin are sensational..." [Howard Kissel, New York Daily News] "...Eugene Fleming and Deidre Goodwin offer more comic relief, and fancy footwork..." [Elysa Gardner, USA Today] "There's also Deidre Goodwin and Eugene Fleming, who have a sexy, physically mismatched chemistry..." [Gordon Cox, Newsday] "Another pair of adept dancers, Fleming and Goodwin, get the jazzier routines..." [Ken Mendelbaum, Broadway.com] "Deidre looks like a beautiful sculpture. She has a magnificent body- one of the best I've ever seen in my life. And she has this kind of elegance to everything she does. Almost like the chorus leader in a Greek theatre." [Antonio Banderas, Star-Ledger] "Deidre Goodwin has good physical presence as the narrating Our Lady of the Spa..." [A CurtainUp Review] "Deidre Goodwin has the pizzazz for Gladys and never appears overworked despite her having to carry the bulk of three- count 'em, three!- strenuous second act routines." [David Finkle, TheatreMania] "The best known dance piece is 'Steam Heat'...sizzlingly performed by Deidre Goodwin, Edgar Godineaux, and Herman Payne." [Howard Kissel, Daily News Drama Critic] "One of CHICAGO's Velmas, Deidre Goodwin, led the dance routines for Gladys...the second (half) allowed her to twinkle through 'Steam Heat,' 'Hernando's Hideaway,' and the 'Jealousy Ballet.' [Ken Mendalbaum, Broadway.com] "...the delectably streamlined Deidre Goodwin." [Ben Brantley, New York Times] "Deidre Goodwin is a saucy scene stealer as one of the local Madam's leggy courtesans." [Barbara D. Phillips, Wall Street Journal] |
| The Fans... "Without a doubt my favorite Velma from CHICAGO, and my favorite performer in general, Deidre Goodwin is a treat to behold on stage. Ever since her early days with the show, she has grown into the strutting and sizzling performer she is today. Working non-stop has to say something about this terrific triple-threat." [Kev, fan] "By far one of the best Velmas I've ever seen. Sassy, sleazy, sensual, seductive, sexy, and much more! A pure delight on stage." [Jimmy, fan] "She is an amazing performer with an incredible stage presence. An incredibly smooth dancer that makes it look like dancing is just as easy as walking, which for her I'm sure it is. I saw her as a Soul Girl in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, as a Phantom and as Magenta in ROCKY..., and she kicked ass in both; and as Velma in CHICAGO and she was amazing. This girl is loaded with talent." [Jules, fan] "Deidre rocks! She is a fierce dancer, a great actress, and has a killer voice. She is always in full command of the stage when she is on it, and those arms!! The girl works out! Catch her in the CHICAGO movie, playing June!" [Scott, fan] "Deidre Goodwin...thankfully, the best-danced Velma I've seen this side of Bebe and Mamie is back. Her body amazes me, and she really gives a much broader, funnier performance than the last time I saw her. Brava!" [Unknown, fan] "Deidre Goodwin's Velma has a voice that instantly warms up the audience with her sultry and soulfully delivered 'All That Jazz'...Deidre packs a wallop in all of the Fosse dance numbers, especially 'I Can't Do It Alone' and 'Hot Honey Rag,' as well as the famous chair dance 'When Velma Takes the Stand.' She's got this Tina Turner/Radio City Rockettes thing going on that many, including myself, really thought added much to all the kicks and moves that the Ann Reinking re-choreography demands." (Stage) "Kudos to all the Cell-block girls, especially Deidre Goodwin. Deidre was Velma when I first saw CHICAGO onstage, so it's extra special to see her in the film!" (Movie) [Phil, fan] "One of the better Velmas I have seen. She's got an incredible voice, and I especially liked her 'Act One Finale' and 'I Can't Do It Alone (reprise).' Her chemistry during 'Class' with Jennifer Holliday was very impressive." [Sarah, fan] "Deidre Goodwin is FIERCE and a force to be dealt with!" [Joe, fan] "Besides being a beautiful and talented actress, Deidre Goodwin is an absolute performing powerhouse. With and amazing voice and equally amazing stage presence you can't help but sit back and watch her in awe." [Erin, fan] "I think Deidre is just terrific..." [Cynthia, fan] "Deidre...WOW, I have no other words, but WOW...Truly gifted and definitely one of my favorite Velmas. She has a tremendous stage presence and is an absolute joy to watch." [Heather, fan] "Deidre Goodwin was an amazing Velma." [Farin, fan] "Deidre Goodwin almost steals the show." [William, fan] "I had forgotten what great fun it is to see Deidre on stage. I last saw her as Velma Kelly in the CHICAGO tour. Terrific personality that comes across the footlights." [Linda, fan] "Deidre Goodwin is SOOOOOOO AMAZING!!!!!!!!" [Jazzygirlsings, fan] "...I looooveeeddd Deidre Goodwin. She performs the role to perfection! Her dancing...singing...EVERYTHING about her was just amazing!" [Groovyangel, fan] "Deidre Goodwin appeared as Velma- I really enjoyed her sensuality and style. Great chops, and gams that won't quit!" [Robert, fan] "Nana Visitor and Deidre Goodwin carry the show, as they are meant to do, and I enjoyed their performances immensely." [Murasaki, fan] "...Deidre Goodwin, though not quite the same color, struck me as the reincarnation of Carol Haney, a dazzingly gangly beauty. My favorite moment in the show was none other than the 'Jealousy Ballet,' a comic tour-de-force for Goodwin and (Mark-Lynn) Baker." [Mike, fan] |
| The Interviews... Question-and-Answer with Deidre Goodwin May 2002 [Kevin, Webmaster] "Two days after the attack, Deidre Goodwin went back to work. The 1991 Southwest Missouri State University graduate plays Velma Kelly, a leading role in Broadway's acclaimed revival of CHICAGO. Goodwin recalls that a palpable sense of unease settled over the city in the days immediately following the attacks. People were staying in their neighborhoods, stocking up on money and food. But she didn't lose anyone she knew in the disaster. She'd shed no tears and felt she was ready to respond to Giuliani's call to light up Broadway again. 'And when I got to work, I kind of lost it, so I didn't go on' she recalls. 'I emotionally lost it.' But she stayed and watched. 'The audience was very, very, very quiet.' Goodwin, who also performed last year in Broadway's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and ROCKY HORROR SHOW, went back onstage Friday. 'What's done cannot be undone...' -Shakespeare's Macbeth." [Sony Hocklander, News-Leader] "Denise (Van Outen) was great and she bring a great freshness to 'Roxie'." [Deidre, Official London Theatre] "Several of the actresses said the prospect of working with a stage legend like Ms. Rivera was a major factor in their decision to join the company. 'That just made me so happy,' said Deidre Goodwin, the show's Lady of the Spa, who recently played Velma in the Broadway revival of CHICAGO, a role Ms. Rivera originated opposite Gwen Verdon in 1975." [Robin Pogrebin, New York Times] "'I'm so excited,' Goodwin told me at NINE's Tony party at Cafe Un Deux Trois. 'But I'm sad to leave NINE. It's been a blessing-- that combination of loving the people and the process and the show is so rare so it's hard to let that go.' In fact, Goodwin was so happy to be part of one of the season's biggest hits that she initially turned down the offer to play Velm again. 'I was ready to let the show go,' she said. 'I wanted to finish it off with the movie. That's the record that my grandchildren will someday see.' Ultimately, just as Velma can't resist doing the 'Hot Honey Rag' with Roxie at the end of the show, the chance to share the spotlight with Griffith was too good for Goodwin to pass up. The two killer dillers have become fast friends-- 'We talk all the time. She's rehearsing and getting ready, working with Annie [Reinking]. She's excited,' Goodwin said. Goodwin is confident that the ebony and ivory pairing will be a success. 'We'll be a good combination,' she said. 'We're about the same size, but we're opposites and I think that diversity will work in our favor.'" [Edited from Paul Wontorek's Stage Notes, Broadway.com] "'This is my first non-revival!' boasted Goodwin [of NEVER GONNA DANCE]...'And I knew over half the cast, so I was sure it'd be a good time no matter what!' Goodwin is confident that the show will score with the audiences because of its romanticism: 'There's not a lot of romance anywhere else. It's either straight-out sex or teasing or hard thrash-thrash dancing. What Noah and Nancy do is so simple. Watching them dance really brings you back to the feeling of...Ooh, I want to be in love! It's a great thing!' Goodwin's final analysis? 'It's very sweet and simple, and it's gonna come in under the radar.'" [Edited from Paul Wontorek's Stage Notes, Broadway.com] |
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