First off we would like to thank all of the Uni Theatre Parents for loaning us the use of your Uni student. Please know how much we value and appreciate all you do to make our program possible. Many thanks.
Elaine Hsieh, Victoria Connell, and Garin Hussenjian: Thank you. You are loved and appreciated.
This production would not be possible without the love and support of Principal Claudia Middleton and the entire Uni High Charter Staff and Faculty.
The Many Thanks Department: MaryAnn Szyshowski, Marcie Murillo, Jamie Garner and U.C.L.A. Beyond the Bell * UniHigh Education Foundation * Jay Manning * Sandee Yamamoto * Paul Song * Claudia DeCea * Jann Goldsby * Jeff Deckman * Chris and Dyanne Halsted * Bill and Becky Heatley * Eric Roth * Tommy Ruben * Brad Greene * Kort Falkenberg III * Sandy and Bill Hanagami * Jerry and Teri Hauck * Bill and Joni Margolin * Tim and Becky Borquez * John and Alex Dantona * Josh Meltzer
Our wonderful friends at Woodland Hills Printing: Rhonda, Ira, Hector, and Elana
Located at 21602 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91364
Lots of love, kisses, and endless thanks: Candy and Joe Lorenz, Howard Miereanu, Gary and Maria Miereanu, Jason and Nicole Sperling, Emily and Liam Sperling, Sarah Sperling, Sarah Saidoff, Cameron Sperling, and Dexter.
Romy Sperling: The world is a better place with you in it. I love you! - Ronnie
The late great Mario Lomeli (Former Uni High Theatre Director) always shines a bright spot light on our productions.
Note from the Director:
Full Circle moment. The first time I went to New York was with my Uni Theatre Family, back when I was a student here. The first show we saw on Broadway was the original production of Bob Fosse's Chicago with Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera. I never dreamt that a million years later, I would be directing Chicago back at Uni.
A little history. The musical Chicago is based on true story of reporter and playwright Maurine Dallas Watkins, who was assigned to cover the 1924 trials of accused murderers Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner for the Chicago Tribune. In the early 1920s, Chicago's press and public became riveted by the subject of homicides committed by women. This became the basis for Watkin's play Chicago.
In 1969, Watkin's estate sold the rights to Gwen Verdon and her husband Bob Fosse. John Kander and Fred Ebb began work on the musical score, modeling each number on a traditional vaudeville number or a vaudeville performer of the 1920's. Thus was born Chicago. It went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2002. Now, the Broadway Revival is the longest running American Musical EVER and is still playing on the Great White Way.
Completing the circle.
Directing this cast in Chicago, has been nothing short of electric. I couldn't be prouder of our Uni Chicago babies. My longtime Theatre Partner Lindsey Lorenz and I decided to not clone previous Broadway productions. Lindsey came up with her own jazzy choreography while sometimes honoring Bob Fosse's style. It's Razzle Dazzling! You're in for a real treat.
And All That Jazz,
Ronnie Sperling
