The cast and stage crew of Oakdale High School did such a beautiful job to make Chicago come to life. It is a very mature musical that talks about serious topics, and the cast and stage crew did a wonderful job portraying these topics.
Senior Sophia Engel plays the role of Velma Kelly, “Chicago is about the justice system and how celebrities are able to get away with murder and is seen as entertainment. It highlights how normal people, especially immigrants, have a harder time getting justice. Last year we did Mamma Mia and you leave Mamma Mia and you’re happy, but you leave Chicago and you are a bit disgusted at the way America is,” describes Engel.
Chicago is definitely a darker musical that Oakdale has performed, it also had a large ensemble that had incredible talents including senior Reeves Ade, he performed as Ensemble Member #2.
“People should expect something different from our other high school shows, considering Chicago talks about more mature topics and the costumes are more mature. We are held to a higher standard when it comes to Chicago and they should expect a more grown up kind of show,” stated Ade.
The use of the stage props, lighting, costumes, and songs in Chicago were amazing and tell a unique story about the justice and court system.
”It’s a different show that we have done before because last year we did Mamma Mia which is a romcom with ABBA songs, and the year before it was a rock n roll comedy. But this year it’s a dark humor musical that talks about serious issues that are important for people to see,” voiced Engel.
Chicago had the audience feel very different emotions throughout the whole show. There was laughter, sadness, and many were shocked by the plot twists. The lines and actions of each character made the musical have a funny feeling to it but also how there was still a sense of darkness to it.
“I absolutely loved it. You could tell that everyone on stage had their own personal character even if they weren’t in the lead role. The whole show was so captivating because of how bold and witty it was,” commented freshman Grace Yoder.
There was amazing talent and efforts made from all the characters, ensemble, and the students/ staff that worked behind the scenes to make Chicago truly remarkable. Joely Georgiana and Sophia Engel had an amazing connection while on stage that filled the room when they performed as Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly.
