(Media release from Darlington School):
Darlington’s fine arts department and The Darlington Players will present “Chicago: Teen Edition” Feb. 23-25 at the Rome City Auditorium. Show times are 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
“By attending, you’re not just enjoying a night of entertainment; you’re supporting the arts in our school community,” said Kim Tunnell, director of fine arts. “Your presence makes a difference! Audiences are invited to grab their best fringe and fedoras and paint the town as The Darlington Players take them back in time to the sizzling, high-energy jazz age of glitz and glamour!”
This carefully adapted teen-friendly edition of the Tony Award-winning Broadway production presents the tale of Roxie Hart, an ambitious jazz baby who lands herself in Cook County Jail for murder. Roxie’s world opens up as she hires the shrewd lawyer Billy Flynn to turn her notoriety into fame. Alongside the sensationally renown inmate Velma Kelly, another murderess mastering the limelight, the two vie for the public’s attention in a razzle-dazzling courtroom drama filled with moody ballads, over-the-top Broadway-style ensemble numbers, Fosse-inspired choreography, and sharp-witted storytelling.
As the plot weaves themes of celebrity, justice, and manipulation, “Chicago: Teen Edition” captivates with its book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, a story based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, and script adapted by David Thompson. This sleek theatrical adaptation is careful not to lose any of “Chicago’s” edge as it explores the blurred lines between truth and celebrity.
“The cast and crew are thrilled to present another musical at the beautiful Rome City Auditorium,” said Shelley Daniel, theater director. “Development of this production has been an exciting creative challenge for all of us. Our company is grateful for the opportunity to bring this incredible show to our community.
“This production features 36 talented Upper School students contributing as actors, crew, and student staff,” she continued. “Our performance artists have worked as a team on and off the stage since November, tackling a complex project and preparing to deliver what we hope will be three unforgettable shows, filled with sizzling vibrance and everything audiences expect from ‘Chicago.’”
Darlington’s theater season is designed to offer students experiences in both a straight play and musical, as well as the opportunity to apply their performance skills in an intimate black box and on a large proscenium stage.
“While reading options for our 2023-24 season last year, I discovered how seamlessly the classic play ‘12 Angry Jurors’ could pair with the musical ‘Chicago,’” said Daniel. “The pieces felt like custom-made bookends. In both stories, plots explore the aftermath of a crime, but in ‘Jurors,’ the protagonist fights for truth at all costs, inspiring the best in others and revealing the great potential of our justice system and humanity. In ‘Chicago,’ we entangle ourselves with characters who seek only to manipulate the truth, trivialize justice, and reveal the worst in human nature, presenting a contrastingly less virtuous portrait of humanity. Each year I try to curate a season that is meaningful and relevant to our students, along with offering the important challenges we need to grow. This has been one of my favorite.”
“It has been incredible to lead our young artists through both of these pieces,” Daniel continued. “Our work has generated profound discussions and a chance to stretch our theatrical skills. But the best part is the anticipation of that singular moment when the audience is finally with us. It is magic! We eagerly anticipate opening night and we hope to thoroughly entertain with colorful characters, commanding vocals, electrifying dance numbers, opulent period costumes, and a deco-inspired world. Please join us as we produce this adaptation of the longest-running American musical in Broadway history live on Broad Street!”
Daniel is the show’s director as well as the costume and technical designer. Other faculty members working on the production include Choral Director Alex Johnson as the show’s vocal director and Kim Tunnell as house manager and production support.
Tickets are $15 and include reserved seating. Eventbrite will automatically choose the best available seating, or you can also choose from seats that are available to ensure that your party is together. To receive the $15 seating at the discounted price of $10, please use the promo code Tiger2024 during the checkout process and make sure to click APPLY.
Purchase tickets to the show of your choosing on Eventbrite by visiting the link below:
Darlington School Chicago: Teen Edition
Content Advisory: PG-13 for mature language and themes.
“Chicago: Teen Edition” is produced by special arrangement with Concord theatricals, www.concordthearticles.com.
