By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Paint the town and all that jazz… Pennsauken Stages is proud to present its performance of the musical “Chicago” April 7-10 at Pennsauken High School. This popular Broadway show is a satirical look at criminal celebrities in jazz-fueled Chicago circa 1920. With music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and the iconic Bob Fosse, it was the perfect musical to pick for this year’s student talent.
“We have an awesome cast. From the talent we had last year, we knew what kind of show we had to do for this spring,” said Kate Guenther, vocal music director at Pennsauken High School. “We knew it had to be female dominated with a lot of dancing. What better show to do than ‘Chicago’?”
“Chicago” follows the murder trials of vaudevillian Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart, who are both represented by trial lawyer Billy Flynn. Media attention and celebrity status blur the lines of justice and truth.
“This musical is fun and dynamic, showing the grittier side of characters we don’t often see,” said Guenther.
“I love exploring an entirely different side of life,” added senior Grace Raymond, who plays the role of Velma Kelly. “Velma’s approach is very cynical and blunt. She’s so different from me that becoming her on stage is a character study itself.”
“I love that everything about Billy is a performance,” continued senior Logan Endes, who plays Billy Flynn. “Everything is a circus to him. It’s all an act.”
Guenther stated that rehearsals have been going extremely well and that the cast has not only taken to the choreography, but also dug into their characters.
“I love the music, it’s really jazzy” said senior Yadhira Almonte, who plays Kitty and is a member of the dance line. “We’re dancing the entire time, it’s very high energy.”
“I like the singing and the choreography is great,” added sophomore Ryan Vu, who plays Amos. “I like the character of Amos. I can connect to the character and relate to his own struggles.”
“What I really enjoy is the excitement and confidence that’s in the show, along with the people,” continued junior Ariana Roberts, who plays one of the “merry murderesses.” “It’s bold; and the Fosse style of dance is exciting.”
Pennsauken High School’s production of “Chicago” has a unique element to this performance: video shot film noir style.
“Our students are directing, shooting film, and editing for the production,” said Guenther. “We’ve never done this on stage before.”
“The world that the musical creates is so enthralling. It’s so genuinely 1920s that it sucks people in,” adds Raymond. “Come out and enjoy the circus of drama.” Pennsauken Stages’ performances of “Chicago” will be at Pennsauken High School, 800 Hylton Rd. Show times are April 7-9 at 7:00 p.m., with a matinee on April 10 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and will be available at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets in advance, call (856) 662-8500 x5273.
