The show will be held April 30-May 3 at Pioneer High School
Living in the rapidly changing 2020s may feel overwhelming to many of us, but students in Pioneer Theatre Guild’s production of Chicago: Teen Edition are learning that the previous “twenties” were just as wild and tumultuous.
“It’s been fun to play a character who is a little crazy and even a little mean,” says senior Gabby Thompson, who plays Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover and leverages the media attention to catapult her to fame. “But we’ve also done masterclasses, and we’re learning about (Bob) Fosse and also learning about the ‘roaring twenties, ‘ so it’s been educational too.”
Set amid the jazzy decadence of the 1920s, Chicago actually burst onto Broadway in 1975, featuring instant classics like “All that Jazz” and “Mister Cellophane” and the singular choreography of Bob Fosse. An acclaimed revival in 1996 led to the longest run in the history of Broadway which continues today, 30 years later.
Pioneer junior Jayla Lee, who plays the lead prison guard and talent agent, Mama Morton, says the show’s staying power lies partly in its portrayal of women and power.
“Everyone in the show knows what they want,” says Lee, “and it’s a women-lead show. I like how, even when something happens to them, they take matters into their own hands to get what they want.”
Junior Simon Shroeder, who plays Roxie’s tragically loyal and naive husband, Amos Hart, says the cast is particularly excited to work again with University of Michigan students Ethan Steiner and Burke Brickner who are co-directing this show after teaming up on last year’s PTG production of Newsies.
“Burke and Ethan are a fantastic duo,” says Schroeder. “They bring a seriousness and passion for their craft, and they want this to be a work of art. Ethan is a grounded person, and Burke brings so much energy and discipline to the choreography, I think they complement each other really well.”
Steiner and Brickner both happened to work in professional theatre as kids in New York City and say it’s important to them to give kids an experience that pushes them to be their best.
“When I was young and given responsibility, and expectations were clearly laid out, I remember feeling motivated to hold myself to a high standard,” says Brickner, co-director and choreographer for this show. “Right now these kids are doing a musical at a high school, but even if they want to pursue other careers, they are learning the value of work ethic, preparation, what it means to really show up and invest time and energy and passion. I’m excited to work with these kids, no matter what they go on to do beyond this show.”
Steiner, a Pioneer alum who also happened to perform on a Broadway tour as a kid, says he agrees with his directing partner.
“Holding kids to a high standard, especially in a creative space, makes it so much more fun,” Steiner says. “I remember being a student here, and I remember that when everyone’s really going for it, there’s nothing more fun and exciting than being at rehearsal.”
With more than 100 kids involved between cast and crew, co-producer Jayme Kelmigian says she’s excited to see the Pioneer Theatre Guild continue to thrive.
“This group is extraordinary and even in the first week of rehearsal, we could tell we had something special,” Kelmigian says. “Between the directing team and the cast and the crew, I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a group more focused, and I’m so excited to see how it grows.
Schroeder agrees.
“It feels like the stars are aligning for this one,” the junior performer says. “To get the chance to work on such a classic, famous show with such great songs and such a great team, the feeling from everyone involved is that we want this one to be one of PTG’s best.”
CHICAGO Teen Edition Show Dates
- Thursday, April 30th at 7 pm
- Friday, May 1st at 7 pm
- Saturday, May 2nd at 2 pm
- Saturday, May 2nd at 7 pm
- Sunday, May 3rd at 2 pm
Performances are in Pioneer High School’s Schreiber Auditorium, 601 W. Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor.
Reserved seating tickets on sale now: www.cur8.com/projects/ptg
Tickets: $20 (Adults) and $15 for students and seniors 65+.
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