"All that jazz!"

Friday 16 February 2024

The Ladies’ College is bringing a tale of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, and treachery to the stage...Chicago!

It is one of the world's most famous musicals, and features well known numbers such as ‘We Both Reached for the Gun’ and ‘All That Jazz’.

The story follows Roxie and Velma, two murderesses who get thrown in jail, only to be catapulted to fame as the next hot act on the Vaudeville circuit. 

Sixth Form students Phoebe and Isabella will alternate playing Roxie.

Pictured: Sixth form students Phoebe and Isabella are sharing the role of Roxie.

Phoebe said: "This is my second production. I have also been in ‘Fame’ which was great fun. The dancing is really different in ‘Chicago’ and it’s been a challenge learning the Fosse style. It’s a great opportunity to play a really playful character who has that element of danger about her."

Isabella said: "It’s been great to play someone with so much sparkle and attitude; the jazz is just fantastic. We are presenting the teen edition of the script, which is incredibly similar to the original West End version, with a few omissions of inappropriate language – but all the numbers you expect are there and we are ready to belt them out."

For the first time, The Ladies’ College has welcomed young actors from other secondary schools across the island to provide students with the opportunity to work with different people and make new friends.

Students also choreographed some of the musical numbers.

Director and Head of Drama, Maggie King, said: "It’s terrific to be able to offer leadership roles like Dance Captain or Choreographer to our students. The students step into these roles with confidence and in turn, act as an inspiration for our younger students, who see the level of professionalism and generosity towards others that it takes to lead a large cast in rehearsals.

"We have an excellent team involved in this production. Head of Music, James Henderson, is Musical Director as well as being a talented musician in his own right, and we have worked together on several musicals for the school. Local Drama teacher, Lindsey Davies, is joining the team for the first time. With experience as a professional on the West End, she has proved the be an invaluable asset, tweaking dance moves, running dialogue and providing vocal tips from an actor’s point of view!"

The school is putting on three performances at the Princess Royal Performing Arts Centre, on 13, 14 and 15 March at 19:00 with tickets on sale to the public now.

Tickets for ‘Chicago’ can be booked HERE.