“Chicago” Wows at Brooks

Students brought the longestrunning musical in American musical theater history to life at Brooks this winter.

Brooksians met a three-night run of “Chicago: High School Edition” with thunderous applause in February, as the classic production featuring Bob Fosse choreography took over the main stage in the Center for the Arts. The musical gave more than 30 students a chance to showcase their talent as actors, dancers and technicians. Director of Theater Meghan Hill had nothing but praise for her cast and crew. Hill notes that “Chicago” offered each of the cast and crew opportunities for growth, and says that each student left the production having reached a new benchmark.

“This cast never backed down from a challenge,” Hill explains as an example. “During the first rehearsal, more than 50 percent of them shared their fears about tackling the choreography as non-dancers.” Six weeks later, she says, they took to the stage with noticeably increased levels of skills and confidence.

“Chicago: High School Edition” is an iconic Broadway showstopper set in 1920s Chicago. The tale follows two murderesses — Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart — as they seek fame, fortune and acquittal from behind bars. Hill is proud of the massive amount of behind-the-scenes technical work that went into the show, including the work a dozen members of the crew and designers spent constructing a scoop wall and the two weeks the crew spent perfecting the dynamic light cues that framed the performers and highlighted the musical shifts. “From a technical standpoint,” she says, “the lighting in this production really stands out.”

Hill says further that the show “explores themes that are important to high schoolers, such as the pursuit of dreams, fame, justice and power. The show also includes strong female characters who are fighting for their own agency and autonomy, making it a great opportunity for students to explore issues related to gender and power in a meaningful way.”