Chicago – High School Edition

Merriman Theatre Group

Chicago – High School Edition                                                                        July 7th 2019

Dragonfly Theatre, Writhlington School, Radstock

Director & Musical Director: Graeme Savage

Choreographers: Nicola Paine & Emily Stenner

Assistant Director: Abi Cousins   Assistant Musical Director: Bruce Arnold

This show has its roots in the ‘Jazz Age’ of 1920’s America, and is based on events of the time; it is a satire on the corruption in the justice system and how some females who were accused of murder could become ‘celebrity criminals’.  We received an insight of what to expect of the show from the well-delivered prologue.

The staging for this production was very minimal with black drapes and a raised area across the back of the stage. The costumes were very simple everyone was dressed in black, except Billy Flynn who was in a suit.  The lighting was very effective there was good general lighting, with fixed spotlights, strips of lights going up from the stage to the raised area and lots of red lights, which made it very dramatic.

Choreographers Nicola Paine and Emily Stenner had reflected the ‘Jazz Age’ in their choreography and there were definite ‘Fosse’ moments, in particular with the fans.  They had stretched the cast and everyone had worked hard to perfect the routines.  All the numbers looked good but I was particularly impressed with ‘Razzle Dazzle’; hand movements were good throughout but they made such an impact in this number, combined with atmospheric lighting.

The six piece band was well controlled and helped achieve the feel of the era but did not forget they were accompanying young voices.  They created a good sound and energy level and were always in time with the performers.  Musical Director, Graeme Savage, controlled everyone well, both musicians and cast.  The songs had been well taught and so the singing was confident, with appropriate energy and emotion.  The microphones were well cued and operated giving good levels of sound so that soloists could be heard.

The whole company had worked hard to bring this production to the stage and everyone looked confident in their roles.  The two young ladies playing Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly gave mature performances.  The character of Amos Hart was well portrayed and he sang ‘Mr Cellophane’ with such feeling that he received a good many ‘Ahs’ from the audience.  The young man in the role of Billy Flynn commanded the stage and was in control of the situation at all times.  All other roles were played confidently with the members of the ensemble giving good support to the action and singing well.

Director Graeme Savage had had some lovely ideas and had worked well with his cast and production to team to bring a polished production to the stage.  The acting out of each murder as the ‘murderess’ sang the story was well done, with the length of blood red ribbon being drawn from each victim.  Everyone had clear well maintained accents; used the stage well; and had well controlled and maintained freezes.  Everyone had pace and energy and gave the audience a most entertaining afternoon.  Well done everyone.

Report by Frankie Telford for Delia Lee District 10

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