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Roxie Rocks Chicago at Petaluma High
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If Chicago Tribune reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins had been in the audience at Petaluma High for the Sunday matinee of Chicago, the Musical (based on her original, satirical stage play on the true-life corruption in the criminal justice system during the prohibition era), the plucky reporter would have been tickled pink.For the young adults of Petaluma High did the smash-hit musical version of Watkins' original Tribune columns more than proud in a non-stop, action-packed, highly stylized set with outstanding costumes and astonishing performances for a student production.The 1924 trials of murderesses Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner had proved such a phenomenonal following for Watkins' sensational columns, she wasted not in minute in penning a screen play based on the shocking true stories of glamour and crime. Although the larger-than-life musical version of her historic Chicago took another half century to come to fruition, the magnitude of this classic American material is all the more profound considering the frequency of its performances all around the world.And because of this, it was no short order for Director Kathy Warren to embark upon such a big-cast, big-set production which would undoubtedly be met with such high expectations amongst any audience. I really wanted to catch the show on opening weekend to get a feel for the enthusiasm of the first few performances. You know, before they get too slick by the end of the run. But I have to say, the cast and chorus have it down to an extraordinary degree with super-impressive staging and choreography and several spectacular performances amidst a stellar team of talented performing arts students.It's not really fair to pick out individuals when this has clearly been a collaborative passion to put on a professional quality show. But I just can't resist a special mention of the incredible Emily Hunt in her standout role as murderess Roxie Hart, the tireless and tremendously infectious Anna Krieg as crime-of-passion killer Velma Kelly and Nick Paine's poised, sauve, confident portrayal of heartthrob lawyer-to-the-stars, Billy Flynn (think PHS senior Richard Gere)! Hats off to costume designer LeAnn James for 150 fabulous outfits.Most of the key roles have understudies, of whom I have heard equally great things. Chicago the Musical lovers won't be disappointed with the bright young people of Petaluma in their terrific theatrical interpretation. You don't have to have a student at Petaluma High to support the vital role that the arts play in today's public education curriculum. Make this a date night, or a family outing (though maybe just a little teenie-bit on the racy side for a school show, but it is history, folks, after all). The show continues to run through April 2, 3 and 4 at 7.30pm, with a matinee at 2pm on April 4th. PHS multi-purpose room, 201 Fair Street.

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Posted March 29, 2009 10:02:36 PM
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Comments | Add Comment

Posted By: Chicagofan (09/04/2009 2:57:18 AM)
Comment: I think it's safe to say this was easily Petaluma High's best production in years. Everything, from the actors to the costumes, to the set design made me forget I was watching a High School production. I also have to add that Emily Hart's performance (understudy to Hunt) was amazing. Her singing voice and charismatic charm lit up the stage.

Posted By: Thespian (08/04/2009 3:10:39 PM)
Comment: Being a fellow drama student and theater supporter, I was very eager to see Petaluma's production of Chicago. I have seen the show live, and I felt that this adaption kept the essence of the play intact. Although everyone was fabulous, I must in particualr give a hearty applause to Matron "Mama" Morton and Amos(regular cast, sorry I am not good with names.)Their energy and vocal life were astounding and both easily won my heart over. In these dark times, the arts are very well being threatened by budget cuts and low student arrivals. I feel that Petaluma's "Chicago" and Casa Grande's comedy "You can't take it with you." both have shown the community how important theater and the arts truly are, and both schools show be commended! I look forward to hearing from both schools in the future! Congratulations!

Posted By: PHS mom (30/03/2009 11:45:56 PM)
Comment: We went on opening night for the best production we have seen at PHS. While I agree that everyone that was mentioned was extraordinary, let's not forget the wonderful Casey Holmberg who always entertains. Also, Megan Teutschel was fantastic!

Response: Yes, I agree. I particularly enjoyed Casey's Chicago accent and Megan did do a marvelous job!

Posted By: Chicago Fan (30/03/2009 6:10:42 PM)
Comment: I think the only song missing from the show was Class,the Mama Morton Zelma Kelly duet. Not surprising though considering the lyrics! But I was at the show twice and LOVED it.The set, the costumes, the make up, everything was awesome.

Posted By: heebe (30/03/2009 12:47:12 PM)
Comment: walked out my front door... down a few blocks and picked a seat ... then sat down and the strangest thing happened...I was wowed ! ... made me happy and proud of everyone involved... and they looked like they were having a great time too!

Response: Yes, the many juniors and seniors who blew us away with their theatrical poise and passion are certainly ready for the world at large.

Posted By: Frank Simpson (30/03/2009 2:12:31 AM)
Comment: Curious, did they stick with the original lyrics and include ALL the songs? Or was there some, shall we say, editing? ;-) By the way, RSS brought me this blog! SO WHO NEEDS THE ICONS ANYHOW

Response: I think I'm correct in assuming that this production was somewhat tailored for the cast and audience in the substitution of some of the more colorful vernacular of the original. The director and drama coaches did a great job in any editing that did take place, I'm sure only the true die-hard Chicago fans would detect these appropriate omissions.