Show gave entire cast chance to shine

By Kyra Smith-Cullen ksmithcullen@dailyitem.com

Milton Area High School Drama Club director Stephen Aguirre knew he had a strong cast of performers when deciding the spring musical, “Chicago: Teen Edition.”

“1 knew we had a strong group that would be eager to perform a show like this. There’s lots of room for a large boys and girls ensemble that get to all have their moments to shine,” he said.

Aguirre said he thinks local high schools shy away from a show like “Chicago” because of its content — the typical production features vulgar language and sexual references.

“The Teen Edition from Concord Theatricals really gives you a clean, doable script. No foul language, all of the innuendo is muted or stricken completely. It is a great show for high schools to perform,” he said.

Aguirre also wanted to expose students to a new style of dance after last year’s production of “Mamma Mia!which featured classic disco moves. “Chicago” includes challenging dance numbers and choreography.

Students rehearse a scene from “Chicago.”

“Our choreographer, Katie Conklin, is such a wonderful teacher and role model, and she challenged our kids with the dance moves in the best way,” Aguirre said. “It certainly was not an easy show, dance-wise, but it was exactly the kind of theater experience I wanted our students to have — a dance show, with this kind of Fosse-style choreography, taught by Katie, who is just so talented.”

The demands challenged even Milton’s veteran musical performers.

“The hardest part of this year’s musical was definitely the dancing,” said Ely Reitz, a junior who played lawyer Billy Flynn.

Senior Chloe Russell, who played Roxie Hart, said she had never considered herself to be a dancer before “Chicago,” but she had to learn to be one. By the time rehearsals were finished, she was excited to show her skills.

See CHICAGO, Page 19