playbill vip

This production process has been a sensational fever dream of jazz hands, feathers, and massive amounts of choreography. No surprise, as CHICAGO’s flashy reputation precedes itself as this year’s production has definitely captivated our entire community. This year marks the one hundred year anniversary of the infamous true crimes which inspired this musical and even a century later these events live in the cultural imagination, as CHICAGO, as the longest-running musical revival on Broadway, continues to draw huge audiences. And while the clearly questionable actions of its characters are indisputable, the show has served as a bold anthem for women claiming the stage. 

To witness these students band together to tell this tale with nothing short of killer energy has been incredible! In contrast to its infamous characters, CHICAGO has filled the theatre with nothing short of classic theatre kid vibes. From its announcement nearly a year ago, the drive to do this show justice, or even simply the sheer joy of getting to do CHICAGO, has been palpable and infectious amongst the cast and crew. And listen, I’m going to be real with you all - I most definitely spent a good bulk of my childhood singing and dancing to the entire CHICAGO soundtrack in my bedroom by flashlight, so, as a native of Chicago and a woman in theatre, the delight is mutual.

RPA’s CHICAGO is the culmination of months of dedication that manifested in remarkable examples of student collaboration, drive, and joy. This department never ceases to amaze me with its ability to build astonishing work as an empowered ensemble. To do this show has been a dream come true for my inner (and, let’s be honest, outer) theatre kid. However, putting on CHICAGO with this particular group of rockstar students has been the real dream come true.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Thank you for supporting educational theatre and for choosing RPA.

K. Torcom

RPA Theatre Director