Creek’s theater program ran their production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” from March 6-9. The musical was widely anticipated by the student body: everyone was ready to see the historically risque, loud, and flamboyant production put on.
“Chicago” follows the story of Roxie Hart, played by senior Ella Basham, after she murders Fred Casely, played by senior Theo Odendahl, after he tries to walk out on their affair. Roxie winds up in prison, despite her attempts to get her husband, Amos, who’s played by senior Jude Benton, to take the blame. In the Cook County Jail, she is surrounded by a group of framed murderesses and wannabe vaudeville stars.
As Roxie works to find a way out of prison, she meets ‘Matron Mama Morton’, played by junior Sydney Allen, Velma Kelly, played by junior Brooke Sax, and the town’s most charming lawyer, Billy Flynn, who’s played by senior Henry Dempsey.
Roxie begs her husband for $5,000 to pay Billy Flynn in order to help her advance through her trial and take Chicago’s attention. Amos willingly pays, hopelessly devoted to his wife. Throughout the show, Amos remains quiet and reserved, performing his iconic “Mister Cellophane” solo and pleading for someone to notice him.
“Amos was a very interesting character to play because he is portrayed mostly as a sad clown,” Benton said. “I spent most of my time off stage forcing myself to be sad or annoyed about something so I could play Amos on stage.”
In order to perfect every aspect of the musical, the process began almost directly after students returned from winter break, although actors auditioned for parts in late November. Students practiced or worked on the set from 3:45-6:00 on most weekdays, and longer rehearsals were held on various Saturdays throughout the process.
“We spent about one month learning the choreography, and another month rehearsing the choreography we [had] learned,” Benton said.
Behind the scenes, Creek’s tech crews worked to construct, light up, decorate, and mic the set as well. Because the production is entirely student-led, students worked under the direction of the set designer, senior Erika Scala, and the stage managers, senior Nat Wilkes, junior Rachel Wheatley, junior Norah Armstrong and senior Ian Youngblood.
After the musical season is concluded, the theater immediately launches into preparation for their final play, which will be “Beauty and the Beast” this year. However, no seniors are allowed in the production, in order to help rising leaders learn how to conduct the theater and take hold of the process.
Despite leaving, the seniors agree that the theater will be well-off next year just the same. “Creek theater has a commendable legacy, and I believe that even though my class won’t be back next year, we’re leaving the theater in good hands,” Basham said.
This week, students have begun the process for their spring play; “Beauty and the Beast.” As juniors, sophomores, and freshmen begin to design a new set and set up a brand-new show, seniors are confident that the show will be a good transitional period that will result in another popular show.
“The next show is in wonderful hands and many talented people have already started to work on [it], so I think it will be phenomenal,” Benton said.
For the senior class, departing theater is an emotional process, especially after closing such a successful show.
“Chicago coming to an end is very bittersweet for me since I’m a senior,” Basham said. “I knew my time in Creek theater wouldn’t last forever. I’m so grateful that this show was my last time on the Creek stage, I couldn’t have asked for a better senior show.”
See moments from the musical below.
