Chicago - Teen Edition - November 15 - November 16, 2024

Regina Dominican High School

 Director's Note 

Chicago is a 1975 American Musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. Set in Chicago in the jazz age, the musical is based on a 1926 play of the same title by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins, about actual criminals and crimes on which she reported. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the celeb criminal. Chicago was revived on Broadway in 1996 and holds the record as longest-running musical revival and longest-running American Musical in Broadway history because of its continued application to the present day!

 

Chicago’s scathing satire shows audiences how publicity can truly bring down justice. Though we acknowledge show business and actual crime as dirty and sleazy, we can’t get over its entertainment. Back then, the media was tainted with the introduction of yellow journalism in which truth was sacrificed for striking headlines and sensationalism. But how far have we progressed from this? The media continues to make celebrities out of criminals, while we continue to devour controversy. Even the most depraved and dangerous criminals celebrate themselves as the star of their own story, worthy of elaborate production numbers and fawning fans. And while Velma and Roxie carry out their licentious, egotistical fantasies during the show, we laugh and clap along. Chicago makes the audience a character in the play—the more we find its debauchery seductive and enjoyable, the more we prove its point. But at least we’re having fun.

 

It has been a heck of a time working with these students over the last few months. They have all been rehearsing their hearts out getting ready for the show. Chicago was not a very easy undertaking. Each student plays multiple characters throughout the show and has to truly embody each and every one. We’ve worked on defining who we are in each scene, making sure there is a distinct difference every time we are on stage. The joy I have from seeing the growth from day one is too hard to put into words. I am very proud of all the hard work from each and every student. And I cannot wait for you to enjoy their performance!

 

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy Regina Dominican High School’s production of Chicago.

 

“Give ‘em the old razzle dazzle.”

Noah Pligge, Director



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