Fall Musical: Batavia High School Presents CHICAGO High School Edition
Batavia High School proudly presents the musical “CHICAGO High School Edition” at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre Thursday, November 8, Friday November 9, and Saturday November 10 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10 to $16 and are available at www.BataviaFineArtsCentre.org and at the box office by calling (630) 937-8930.
About
“Chicago” has been presented on Broadway for more than 6,300 performances since it opened in 1996, and won six Tony awards, including Best Revival of a Musical. The original production, directed and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse, opened in June of 1975 and was nominated for nine Tony awards.
“Chicago” follows the story of two performers convicted of murder as they vie for the spotlight, the headlines, and acquittal. This musical is based on a 1926 play written by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about the real life criminals she reported on. It tells the story of Roxie Hart, who finds herself on Murderer’s Row in the Cook County Jail after shooting her lover. Smooth-talking attorney Billy Flynn agrees to take on Roxie’s case and manipulates the Chicago press to make Roxie a celebrity. Roxie has a rival for the media’s attention, however: another Billy Flynn client named Velma Kelly. “Chicago” is a cynical look at America’s celebrity culture and its corrupt judicial system, presented through the highly stylized language of song and dance. It features vaudevillian razzle dazzle with a satirical edge.
The Cast
A cast of 45 BHS student actors have been selected to portray this iconic production. Freshmen: Addie Bloom, Lorela Burke, Ally Cooper, Timothy Gustin, Anna Laurich, Claire Dean, Desert McGarr, Emma Myers, Kayla Giesen, Zoe Weeks, and Kohl Winkle. Sophomores: Anthony Barranco, Mackenzie Benkers, Vivien Cohen, Cat Hall, Tom Hougen, Ava Little, Izzy Mach, Jillian Mossbarger, Venessa Plourde, Matthew Siekierski, Serafina Tassi, Anika Thoresen, and Olivia Tippets. Juniors: George Aigner, Sophie Chahmirzadi, Bella Clarey, Hannah Curran, Parker Fletcher, Jolie Hedger, Landon Keller, Morgan O’Brien, Maisie Sweeney, and Jeremiah Young. Seniors: Demi Anderson, Colin Callahan, Anna Harms, Nathan Knautz, Sarah Maher, Robbie Mansfield, Cate Rocha, Isaac Schifferer, Sydney Tshosik, Maisy Wilson, and Lily Zofkie.
If you think you’ve seen “Chicago” before, think again. You will be amazed and surprised by the artistic director’s (Dominic Cattero) interpretation of this production, which will feature a moving stage allowing the entire band to join the actors. In the end, the audience will be forced to ask the question, “How can you tell the truth above the roar?”
Photos (gorgeous!) of a recent rehearsal are courtesy of Andrew and Stephanie Schones, BHS parents and founders, Both And Pictures.
