The iconic musical “Chicago,” directed by Tracie Talerico with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, is set in the 1920s and follows Roxie Hart (played by senior Gemma Pendergast.) Roxie is a housewife who murders her affair partner and hires lawyer Billy Flynn (played by senior Aidan Larsen) to use her crimes to become famous. She meets murderess Velma Kelly (played by senior Sydney Jordan). They start as rivals but form an unlikely alliance. Since late January, the Lincoln drama department has rehearsed this spring musical five nights a week.
For both Talerico as well as the cast members, “Chicago” stands out from other shows due to its focus on dance. Talerico appreciated how the dance elements brought in new students to the stage.
“We were so lucky to… reach out to the dancers in the building that maybe aren’t singers or necessarily actors… we were able to bring them into the community, and they’ve added so much to the show,” said Talerico. “I’ve never been challenged with such a dance-heavy show.”
Senior Mia Herrin, who plays one of the “six merry murderesses,” agrees that the community of “Chicago” has been one of her favorite parts of the show.
“I’ve noticed with [Chicago,] it’s probably the [most] people new to Lincoln drama that I’ve seen out of any production,” said Herrin. “It’s been really nice getting to know the new freshmen and seeing the next generation [of Lincoln theater.]”
Seniors in the theater program are emotional about their last high school show. Larsen has fond memories of growing up with his best friends, Pendergast and Jordan, in the cast.
“Us getting to have our final show be one where [we] interact a lot and are the main focus is very sweet,” said Larsen. “It’s a nice feeling to go from third grade at Chapman Elementary School [to] seeing how [we’ve] progressed nearly a decade later.”
Pendergast, Jordan and Larsen are looking to continue acting after high school. Pendergast and Jordan will be studying acting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and Ithaca College, respectively. Larsen plans to be involved in theater productions at Portland State University.
“I hope everyone [had] as much fun watching [Chicago] as the cast and the crew had fun making it and putting it together,” said Pendergast. “It’s such a fun, amazing show, and I think all of the glitz and glamour is… really entertaining.”
