Excitement for Chicago began far before students started learning lines and practicing choreography. It began before sets were planned and costumes were sketched. In fact, it began before auditions even took place.
Excitement for Chicago began the second it was announced.
As one of the most iconic titles in musical theater, Chicago represents something different to everyone. “When I found out we were doing Chicago, I was so happy,” shared actor Orli Azoulay ’26. “Chicago is like the show of shows.” Stepping into the Jazz Age world of Chicago offered students the opportunity to bring some of their favorite songs, scenes, and characters to life. “It’s always been my dream to be in Cell Block Tango, so it’s like a dream coming true,” said dancer Nora McBride ’26.
Enthusiasm for the show has only grown as students have developed a better understanding of what makes Chicago so beloved—and so challenging. “I think the dance element is really interesting,” actor Reagan Coughlin ’26 reflected. “The props are really cool; they become part of the expression of the dance.” With dance as a major component of the show, students studied the history and style of Bob Fosse’s choreography. An emphasis was placed on exploring dance as a storytelling device similar to dialogue and costuming. “All of the dances are so different and they tell their own story,” added Nora.
There’s this saying—when you can’t speak, you start to sing. When you can’t sing, you start to dance. I feel like ‘Chicago’ is the best example of that idea.
Orli Azoulay ’26
With a unique set, dynamic lighting, and costumes authentic to the time period, the vibrant expression of Chicago presented challenges to those on and off stage. As stage manager Sara Schiavo ’26 explained, “the set is very different from ones we’ve had in the past. We play around a lot with levels and there are spotlights that help capture different scenes and moments.” In order to extend this scene-building to all aspects of the show, student technicians worked closely with musicians on underscoring scenes. “A lot of the sound effects are made with instruments, so there’s a cool overlap between music and tech,” Sara shared. “I haven’t seen that a lot in other shows.”
Being immersed in Chicago provided students a deeper understanding of the themes central to the text. “[Our director] Ms. Farrell talked a lot about the fact that—even though the show takes place in the 1920s—it has messages that are so impactful, especially now,” Sara recalled. Students used this understanding to inform how they approached their respective roles on and off stage. “My favorite part of this show has been playing a character like Roxie Hart,” Orli reflected. “She’s very flawed, but those flaws reveal what Chicago is truly about.”
I think people should come see ‘Chicago’ if they want to just have a fun night. People are gonna leave the show feeling really happy.
Nora McBride '26
Performances of Chicago: Teen Edition will take place at Beaver on May 14, 15, and 16 at 7 p.m. in Bradley Hall. Tickets can be purchased here. Please note that this musical contains mature content.