The Pioneer Theatre Guild is presenting “Chicago” through Sunday, May 3rd at the Schreiber Auditorium at AA Pioneer High School. Chicago premiered on Broadway in June 1975 and closed August 1977. The 1996 revival is the longest running show currently on Broadway. The script was written by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse. Music by John Kender and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Chicago – The Musical is based upon the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a reporter for the Chicago Tribune who covered the 1924 murder trial of Buelah Annan and Belua Gaertnen.
Chicago ensemble. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
Chicago was co-directed by Ethan Steiner (an alum of Pioneer) and Burke Brickner, both students of UM School Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD). Brickner also choreographed the show. The music director was Brady Schiro and keyboard/orchestra conductor was Tyler Driskill. This team combined to create one of the best high-school musicals this reviewer has ever watched. This creative team, cast and crew achieved near perfection.
Choreography is critical for the success of Chicago. Brickner’s dance training and experience as a professional performer in New York City was evident throughout. The stage was filled with a sea of movement, reminiscent of the legendary Bob Fosse. Brickner incorporated several of the signature Fosse-style steps into his choreography. The cast, especially the featured dancers, performed it flawlessly. What is sometimes evident in high school musicals was absent here. With the cast performing complex dance steps, the volume of their singing never diminished.
Chicago is a musical where actresses share lead responsibilities. Led by AA Huron senior Salem Dinh, as Velma Kelly and Pioneer senior Gabby Thompson as Roxie Hart, the duo sang and danced their way into the hearts of everyone who watched. Dinh was mesmerizing singing and dancing to “All That Jazz” that opened the show. Ending Act I, Thompson dazzled with “Roxie.” Both dance numbers sizzled.
(L-R) Salem Dinh as Velma Kelly & Gabby Thompson as Roxie Hart. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
Matron Mama Morton, played so perfectly by Huron junior Jayla Lee, shined singing “When You’re Good To Mama.” If there was one criticism of this production, it is the diminished role that Mama Morton has in the teen version of Chicago. That has nothing to do with the Pioneer director and cast and everything to do with the Broadway producers.
(L-R) Salem Dinh as Velma Kelly & Jayla Lee as Matron Mama Morton. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
Community High senior Simon Schoeder plays Amos, the naïve, completely loyal husband of Roxie. Schroeder sings the delightful “Mister Cellophane”, which is always a crowd-pleaser.
Simon Schroeder as Amos Hart, Roxie’s husband. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
Christian Weems, a Huron sophomore, played attorney Billy Flynn. He is believable in the role. His stage presence is dominant. He has the perfect blend of slick and icky. Weems has a beautiful baritone voice and his rendition of “All I Care About Is Love” and “Razzle Dazzle” is worth the price of admission. His character is equal parts fun and professional sleaze.
Christian Weems as attorney Billy Flynn. Photo by Steven Sheldon.
The set, designed by Mysti Plummer, were elaborate, yet functional. Props designed by Jennifer Monk-Reising were incredibly detailed. Costumes were designed by Hayden Keene were a flashy splash of color and glitter. The sound by Patrick Schrock, was perfect as every actor could be heard throughout the show. Even though the Chicago score is complex, the orchestra played it flawlessly and maintained a perfect balance with the singers on stage.
This production is top-notch fun. The acting, singing and dancing is superb. This reviewer gives it an enthusiastic two-thumbs up. And, if I had more thumbs, they would all be pointing up.
Tickets can be purchased at cur8.com/projects/ptg or at the door for the remaining performances. AA Pioneer is located at 601 W. Stadium Blvd., across the street from The Big House.
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
