Matron Mama Morton rules in ‘Chicago: The Musical’

"Chicago" was a passport to Seoul, Korea, for Illeana Kirven. Experiencing the Far East was a life-changing experience for the Tyler, Texas, native, who portrays Matron "Mama" Morton in the enduring musical "Chicago“ slated for Monday at the Paramount Theatre.

"Thanks to 'Chicago,' we spent three months in South Korea," Morton said while calling from Norfolk. "I loved being there so much. I'm a huge K-Pop fan, and so they had to pull me away to come home. It was a fascinating place for the culture, the culinary and the people there just love ‘Chicago.’“

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Well, audiences everywhere enjoy "Chicago: The Musical." The iconic production is Broadway's longest-running American musical. The stylish Depression era show, which has been running on the Great White Way for 29 years, is about fame, fortune and foul play. The original Broadway production opened in June of 1975. The current Broadway show is the longest-running musical revival and the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

And then there is the touring production, which features Bob Fosse choreography, a jazzy score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and the nefarious and entertaining characters Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly.

"It's an extraordinary musical," Morton said. "I just love being part of this show."

That's evident since Kirven has been on the road with "Chicago" for almost four years. Theater and stability are typically mutually exclusive. However, the larger than life Kirven has enjoyed a steady gig as a theatrical entertainer.

"I enjoy this show so much," Kirven said. "I love the film, and I saw the production on Broadway and it's fabulous. I enjoy the cast and crew. We're family. But the thing about it is that I love traveling. I lived in New York and when I did, I found myself only auditioning for parts in New York."

But life changed for Kirven when she moved back to her native Texas during the pandemic.

"I'm in a good place since I like to move around a lot and experience different places," Kirven said. "’Chicago' allows me to do that."

After starting her career in regional theater, Kirven was accepted into New York's American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Kirven's first national tour was with "The Sunshine Boys“ featuring Dick Van Patten and Frank Gorshin. Shortly after that gig, she began playing Morton in Florida in 2018 for a run of shows at a dinner theater.

"I love the character," Kirven said. "She's so much fun to play."

Kirven prepped for her role by analyzing the many different interpretations of her character.

"Every Mama Morton is different," Kirven said. "I just choose what works best for me, and it's worked out."

Morton, a Cook County Jail warden and booking agent who is focused on making money, is compelled to offer advice to the women in her cell block and becomes friends with the aforementioned Kelly.

"The audience responds so well to my character," Kirven said. "It's fun getting such a wonderful reaction every night."

Kirven understands what it's like being in the crowd at a show.

"I'm very much a fan of so much entertainment," Kirven said. "I love going to shows when I'm not in this show."

Kirven is looking forward to no event as much as the long-awaited BTS tour.

"I can't express how excited I am about BTS," Kirven said. "I'm going to a BTS show in New Jersey. I have my tickets. I'm part of the BTS Army, which enabled me to buy tickets through a pre-sale. They inspire me. Those guys went through so much to get where they are. They went through so many struggles getting sponsorship. At first they couldn't get anyone on board with them, but they persevered and look where they are now."

It's a similar story for Kirven and some entertainers who pay endless dues. Some performers succeed, but many never make a living doing what they love.

"I'm so fortunate that it's worked out well for me," Kirven said. "I'm so fortunate to be part of a production like 'Chicago’ since we're like family."

Kirven, who is in her 30s, doesn't just play Mama in Chicago: that's her role in a cast that is primarily comprised of 20-somethings.

"They all call me Mama," Kirven said while laughing. "They're all quite young, and it's just so wonderful to be around them and to be part of a show like 'Chicago.’"