5, 6, 7, 8!
Chicago: Teen Edition is coming soon to GRC’s auditorium.
The cast of around 60 students has been working on the show since January.
Chicago is a departure from GRC’s traditional pattern of switching between modern and golden age musicals. “The show just had a tone that we were looking for,” director John Lawwill said.
The plot is focused around three lead characters: Velma Kelly, Roxie Hart, and Billy Flynn.
Senior Grace Owen plays Velma Kelly, a famous vaudeville performer who has been imprisoned for the murder of her husband and sister.
“Velma has this level of confidence that is just unreachable,” Owen said. “She is very shallow until she realizes that she’s becoming a second thought.”
Competing for the spotlight is aspiring performer Roxie Hart, played by junior Ella Howton, who finds herself in prison alongside Velma.
“Roxie wants to be a celebrity so badly that it consumes everything she already has,” said Howton. “She’s very head strong and very stubborn.”
Senior Joshua Muse plays coveted defense attorney Billy Flynn, known for his jury-swaying skills. However, he comes with a hefty price tag.
“Billy is a charismatic, charming guy that will do whatever it takes to succeed,” said Muse.
What makes Chicago unique is the type of music and dance it utilizes.
“The style of the show fits the category of jazz,” Lawwill said. “But there are moments where it borrows from traditional vaudeville shows.”
Through Chicago, students have the opportunity to learn about the style of jazz.
“We really express things using our bodies instead of only our voices,” Owen said. “Almost every single number in the show is a dance number.”
Howton compares the show to previous years. “Bright Star was a very emotional show and Anything Goes was a very comedy-heavy show,” she said. “This year is kind of a mix of both.”
Chicago is also unique in the way it approaches certain issues.
“It’s definitely different from any other musical I’ve ever been in,” said Owen. “Not a single thing is taken seriously and that’s kind of the beauty of it all, we can joke around about these things.”
The cast enjoys watching each other perform.
“My favorite song is probably I Can’t Do It Alone,” Muse said regarding one of Owen’s solo numbers. “It creates a different feel than other parts of Chicago.”
Owen’s favorite number is Cell Block Tango, which features six soloists as well as female ensemble members. “We get to dance around chairs and everyone gets to tell their side of the story,” she said.
Howton and Owen are in a unique situation as best friends playing two competing leading ladies.
“I’m excited to pretend not to like Ella Howton, even though she’s my favorite person in the whole world,” said Owen. “Velma and Roxy have to really dislike each other for most of the show.”
Howton enjoys sharing the stage with Owen as well.
“We just started learning Nowadays and Hot Honey Rag,” she said. “It’s especially fun because it’s just me and Grace, we get to have that little special moment.”
Muse is feeling bittersweet about performing in his final GRC musical. “Even if I go to perform at other theaters, it’s not going to be the same environment that it would be in high school,” he said.
Owen expressed similar sentiments. “I’m gonna miss the people the most of all,” she said.
Howton is looking forward to perform with these seniors in their final high school show. “I look forward to being on the stage with some of my closest friends, especially the seniors who are graduating this year,” she said. “I’m excited to make art with them one final time.”
Mr. Lawwill appreciates all the hard work his cast has put into the show. “The talent has always been in this building,” he said. “I’ve heard some people joke, it must be in the water here in
Winchester.”
He also appreciates his behind the scenes crew. “I have an amazing creative team,” he said. “I physically could not do the show at this quality without any of them.”
Howton appreciates the opportunities GRC’s musical theater program has given her.
“We’re very fortunate to have such a blessed theater program that can have a big set with great lighting and sound,” she said. “I’m so grateful to get to be a part of the process and to have that opportunity here.”
The cast encourages everyone to come see Chicago. “It’s such a fun show,” said Owen. “There’s no way anyone could watch it and not laugh or smile.”
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