Chicago: The Musical
Throughout the hidden cracks of Chicago lies the different stories of each citizen.
Chicago is about a girl named Roxie Hart who murders her dishonest lover and persuades her husband, Amos, into helping her get out of jail. So, they hire Billy Flynn, a fast-talking lawyer who uses the media to get his clients out of prison.
While in prison, Roxy and the murder mistress, Velma Kelly, battle for the spotlight as they try to get out of jail.
All in all, Chicago was an incredible spin on a classic movie.
Ava Freeman starred as Roxie Hart, her first major role as a junior. Freeman has participated in H-F theater since she was in 4th grade.
“Getting the lead makes me feel as though all of those years have truly paid off,” Freeman said. “I’m extremely grateful that I was put in such a role that allows me to showcase what I’ve learned throughout the years.”
Alongside her is her co-star- Jonathan Kriarakis. He plays her husband and the misunderstood mechanic, longing for someone to listen to his story.
Kriarakis is also a junior playing the lead role. This is a first for the both of them.
Kevin Thompson stars as Billy Flynn, the eccentric lawyer who helps Hart get out of prison. Thompson also explains what it’s like to play the lead role.
“It’s really fun, and actually really conducive to getting work done,” he said. “When the ensemble was learning the big group numbers, the other leads and I had time to run lines and do homework.”
Chicago was different from any other because it was produced in under one month while all other H-F plays are produced in one and a half months. This was much faster and made the final product even more special.
Freeman says what it was like to create a creative show like Chicago in such a limited amount of time.
“It sometimes feels as if the show is never going to come together, but during tech week, it always looks superb and makes the stress of the show totally worth it,” Freeman said.
The play was extremely unique from the roaring twenties themed costumes to the gorgeous lighting that amplified the feel of the play.
“I think that the themes of the “razzle dazzle” of fake news really apply” Thompson said. “Even though that the audience members probably haven’t been directly involved in the events of the show, they’ll really connect to the satirical nature of the piece.”
This “satirical nature” is one of the things that makes Chicago special. Freeman looked forward to performing it in front of audiences.
“It’s in a completely different time period and it’s very thrilling, so I believe the audience will be very entertained,” Freeman said.
In the end, Chicago was filled with stunning performances and a beautiful scenery that helped set the mood of the play.