Chicago is “A story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery.” The action is set in the 1920s, in a county jail swarming with cold-blooded killers.
January 11th through the 14th, Champion’s theater department put on Broadway’s classic musical, Chicago. Although they had to modify the play into a teen version, they executed the production to maintain the overall integrity and dynamic of the original show.
This was the department’s last production for this school year, and for many seniors this was their last time performing to an audience in Champion’s auditorium.
Similar to Broadway’s Chicago, the live orchestra was on the stage rather than in the pit. Additionally, the set incorporated jail cells above the orchestra where some of the performers would dance, which added more diversity and helped the overall visual of the production by occupying more of the stage space.
As for the dancing, there were hardly any dull moments. The dancers covered the stage and would come out from the sides and in the audience, all while keeping synchronization; the synchronization in ‘All that Jazz’ was especially impressive. They incorporated many advanced tricks, skills and stunts.
Senior Lillian Stewart presented a masterful portrayal of the ambitious character Roxy. At one point, she accomplished a difficult stunt where she was lifted up into an extended straddle position while singing.
There were multiple costume changes for the actors and the dancers, and all the costumes were true to the show and the setting. They added to the visual with all the different colors and sparkly costumes, and some actors faced the additional difficulty of dancing in heels.
Emotions were intense in the songs and dialogue, and the red lipstick exaggerated the characters’ expressions and added to the overall effect. Senior Raya Nunez brought the perfect amount of extra drama to her character Velma, as she was portraying an immensely narcissistic, though glamorous, persona.
Senior Jenissa Revillas, playing the clever and quick-witted character Mama, had a singing solo where she performed “Good to Mama” where she was able to carry out difficult notes with tremendous quality.
The projection throughout song and performance made the play clear and easy to understand. The actors’ voices were incredibly mature and they were able to hit exceptionally high and long notes.
Overall, it was an entertaining watch and the incorporation of comedy and the execution of jokes made it a fun and lighthearted performance. The theater did an excellent job and the seniors made a memorable last performance.
