CHS Drama's "Chicago" | spectrum-newspaper

Drama Club's "Chicago" is Ready to Razzle Dazzle

By Aaron Scibelli

Get ready to be razzle dazzled by CHS Drama’s production of Chicago! The classic broadway production is making its way to the Canton stage by way of the teen version. While this version makes the show more palatable for high school students, don’t fret—it still contains all of the iconic Vaudevillian murder-tastic bops including the iconic “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango”!

Chicago is a unique show in the sense that it is led by two female leads, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. Played by seniors Rafaella Dantas and Vanessa Truglia, respectively, portraying their character has been a formative experience for both. Truglia claimed that “I’ve been really pushing myself to step outside of my boundaries for this role,” while Dantas shared a similar sentiment. The hardest challenge for Dantas was the acting duties. She shared that she “had to figure out how to connect with the character.” She “watched so many different versions of the show to understand Roxie.”

Brianna Carstairs, the student assistant director and hair/makeup crew head for the production, is excited for people to see the hard work she’s been putting into her first directorial venture. She said that while it was a challenge for her to “find [her] voice”, she loved “being able to give feedback to actors and also applaud them for their victories.” Speaking on the show’s hair and makeup looks, she believes this is the first show she’s done where everyone has to be wigged due to the short and curly style of the 1920s. “It’s been a hassle, but everyone looks amazing.”

Another student leader, Emma Cummings, helped choreograph the show. When asked about channelling the specific style of Chicago’s original choreographer Bob Fosse, she said it was a “really enjoyable experience” and that she loved “staying true to this incredible, creative style.” She thinks people should come see the show because “you are truly immersed into the jazz club experience from the first note the trumpets play”. Chicago opens tonight, March 14th, at 7pm, and will play two more performances on the 15th and 16th at 7pm and 2pm, respectively. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.