Joy fills a packed auditorium as excited audience members await the start of their viewing experience. A chord is played quietly, growing in volume till the audience is ready to take their seats. As darkness falls upon the stage, music radiates around the room and builds tension for the opening scene. In the blink of an eye, a bedazzled girl appears in the center of the stage, all eyes are on her. After a solitary moment, the show begins with a flamboyant song symbolizing the focus of this musical, the lively city of Chicago.
Produced by the Huntley High School Theatre, “Chicago” is this year’s annual musical performance. Starring Carrie Willig as Roxy, Annalisa Renghini as Velma, Matt Glosson as Bill Flynn, and Grace Comeaux as Mama. This year’s performance is a result of endless hours of rehearsal.
“We’ve been working since August,” said Kay Castro who played Mona. “It’s been a lot of work for about ten weeks.”
Chicago focuses on Roxie Hart, a self-absorbed woman who dreams of being a celebrity no matter the cost, and others that she meets in the country jail and for her trial. One of these people, Velma Kelley, was a local celebrity before Roxie stole her spotlight.
“I’ve had a rocky experience with theater at school because I’ve been so close to getting roles, and then I just never did,” said Annie Renghini, who played Velma. “With this role, it’s definitely helped me learn how to trust myself with acting and learn to make choices. It’s kind of like a nice way to end my high school experience by finally getting that role and getting to know Carrie and this cast has also been really nice. It’s really changed me in a good way.”
While rehearsals and the stress of opening night created an air of tension among the cast, their performance was loved by the audience. On opening night, after countless songs and laughs, a well-deserved standing ovation was given from the stands as the cast celebrated their hard work.
“The performance was really great,” sophomore Maddie Szymczak said. “They did an amazing job and I loved watching the musical.”
