After attending last night’s performance of Chicago, staged at Central High School, I can recommend going tonight for an enjoyable evening of singing, dancing, and comedy.
As the curtain rose on the cabaret singers, I was struck by how simple, modest, yet interesting the costuming was. Throughout the night, there were definitely outfits that were intricate and very period, which was for me, one of the things that really made the show. Although there is no costumer credited, whoever created or sourced these things in teenage sizes, deserves a big hand. Also, I didn’t feel like a creeper watching scantily-clad teens, so that helps a lot.
Of course, Chicago hinges on the talent of its twin troublemakers, and this duo doesn’t disappoint. The pipes on these girls are impressive by any standards, and Shireen Hassan as Velma has dance moves to match. Quinton Ohlsson as Billy Flynn made an impact with his tuneful and expressive singing, as well. But freshman Anja Schrag nearly stole the show as Mary Sunshine, and I expect to see great things from her in the future, hopefully out in the community in addition to her school performances.
While these characters hog the spotlight, Chicago couldn’t be successful without its working class — the chorus. Complicated choreography, jazz rhythms and key signatures, quick costume changes make this show a challenge. To me, the success of these chorus members was demonstrated during “We Both Reached For the Gun” where every single actor made an astonishingly believable puppet. That number was worth the price of admission, right there.
And admission, technically, is free, but these kids are trying to raise money to get to a competition in Nebraska. So I paid a little more than I would for a regular ticket, and found it well worth both my time and money. The next (and last) performance is tonight at 7 p.m., at Central High School in Decker Theatre (enter off Park St.) so make some time in your night to support the arts and enjoy yourself.