playbill vip

Welcome. We are so glad that you are here with us this evening. Your support brings our fine arts programs to life for our students.

You are about to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery, and treachery, you know, all those things we all hold near and dear to our hearts.

Just kidding.

This is, however, actually the opening line for Broadway’s longest-running revival, Chicago, the Musical.

In 1975, composer John Kander and lyricist, Fred Ebb joined forces with director/choreographer Bob Fosse to craft a musical about two would-be vaudeville stars who cash in on their “unfortunate situations.” The show had a solid but unspectacular run. Two decades later, a pared-down version was brought to life and is still running on Broadway today.

At its core, this show tells the tale of Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, rival Vaudeville performers who have landed in the Cook County Jail for crimes of the heart. Velma and Roxie both look to Matron “Mama” Morton to help them be released from prison, and she connects them with a ruthless lawyer, Billy Flynn. In the end, Velma and Roxie come to terms with the hands they have been dealt, and they become an unlikely team.

This vaudeville musical encompasses several musical elements such as rhythm, harmony, and texture, and this combines with the jazz style to result in a classic musical.

In conclusion, there was a lot that went into making this musical, what with the set that makes the story come to life, the music and orchestra that makes us all want to dance, and the choreography that gives the piece amazing energy. Truthfully, this show has been a joyful experience to direct.

I believe that Chicago’s brilliance lies in its respect for the past while allowing it to be wildly enjoyable to our contemporary eyes.

This musical truly has a timeless feeling and has stayed strong throughout the decades.

I am blessed to be surrounded by an amazing directing team and I freely admit, “I could not do it alone.”

Now, sit back and take a trip to the days of vaudeville, flappers, and prohibition. Enjoy Chicago, the Musical.            

                                          –Byron Holder