Chicago, marvelously executed by Liberty High School’s Playmakers students, is a stage musical rendition of Chicago 1975; in which the American musical featured music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and novel by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse.
In Chicago of 1975, as writer Noah Orent for The Ithacan elucidated, “Two death-row murderesses develop a fierce rivalry while competing for publicity, celebrity, and a sleazy lawyers attention.” As a result of murdering her deceitful lover, Roxie Hart is thrown into jail where she meets Velma Kelly, a wealthy celebrity placed on death-row following the murdering of her husband and her sister after catching them in bed together. The two quarrel over fame as leverage for survival as opposed to execution; also in this, it is Chicago lawyer Billy Flynn’s duty to maintain the spotlight on his clients which also make appearances through the musical. Last Spring, Liberty’s Playmakers was involved in submitting an application that granted permission to directly implement music from Chicago, a competition indeed.
Liberty’s variation of Chicago welcomes the audience with quite a “jazzy” type of vibe, alluring the audience with the typical saxophone, trumpet, and jazz piano. Without a doubt, Liberty’s Playmakers did an astounding job of making the environment feel “electric.” The lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, sets, and props were all appropriate and fit the vibe of the original play. With Ashlyn Filippone playing the role of Roxie, Morgan De La Chevrotiere playing the role of Velma, and Isaiah Mateas playing the role of Billy, it was felt within the hearts of the audience that they skillfully delivered great performances and sang with their heart’s content. The remainder of the cast, the other roles and the extras, also did phenomenal. It is greatly worth noting that altogether, they created the “electric” environment.
The play as a whole was an outstanding sensation. Personal favorites were the performances of Overture/And All That Jazz, Cell Block Tango, and Mister Cellophane. I would definitely recommend this play to others, especially to those who have never experienced a play beforehand.
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