We produced
Chicago a number of years ago and performed it at The International Thespian Festival. Our production was classic black/white, red if you're dead, Fosse. I would not move from
You Can't Take It With You (a fun show) type shows to
Chicago. If you have done Shakespeare in all his bloody glory, your students and audience might be ready for the challenge and your students for the educational opportunity that
Chicago presents. Fosse is a style they should know. It is really you who must examine your own school community. We just closed
She Kills Monsters (NOT the Young Adventure's version) in April. We handled the issues with professionalism and respect and the show was VERY well received. If you question that your community can handle it, perhaps that is a warning, but do not be afraid. If you have a reputation for quality productions, ask yourself what would your community say to a quality production. (All that being said, I will never produce
Legally Blonde at my school. :-) )
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[William] [Myatt] [Director of Theatre]
[Pleasant Valley High School]
[
myattw@pleasval.k12.ia.us][563-332-5151][Bettendorf][IA][USA]
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2019 13:05
From: Michael Corliss
Subject: Chicago - High School Version
I could not, and from what I here from other schools (plus what I recall of the show) I would not do Chicago. I'm sure the students would love it, but the parents and grandparents would not.
I have carefully cultivated a reputation of staying within certain boundaries. So much so that the admins, up through the superintendent, trust if I want to do something a bit challenging. Asking to do Chicago, or In The Heights, and so on, would ruin that.
That's just me.
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Michael Corliss
Livonia MI
Original Message:
Sent: 06-13-2019 08:05
From: Karen Moody
Subject: Chicago - High School Version
I have seen a high school production of Chicago and it was a bit jarring to watch teenage girls sing "Cell Block Tango", amid the other violent and racy content in the musical. Before committing to doing the show, I suggest giving some thought to how a group of teenagers singing about how they killed their boyfriends/husbands will be received in your community. Personally, I would never produce Chicago in a high school. There are many other musicals that are appropriate for a wide pool of casting talent and for grandmothers to watch. I'd like to add that I've directed many musicals, including Little Shop of Horrors and Hairspray that have challenging/mildly violent content, just to share that I'm not saying we shouldn't present challenging material to our students and audiences.
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Karen Moody
English/Theatre Teacher
King William VA
Original Message:
Sent: 06-12-2019 11:16
From: Robyn Metchik
Subject: Chicago - High School Version
I am thinking of doing Chicago this next year. I love the show and I have the actors that could play the roles. I was wondering if anyone did it this past year and what size houses did you play to? How was it received?
I can play in a very nice 500 seat theatre, or our cafeteria that can seat around 150 per night.
Please let me know what you think.
Robyn Metchik
Nipomo High School Theatre Co