Watching the Teen Edition of “Chicago” put on by the Kingwood Theater was amazing. The costumes, the singing, the dancing—all that Jazz highlighted the overflowing talent present at KHS. Kingwood High School has enjoyed a remarkable year of performances, ending with the unforgettable production of “Chicago.”

Chicago, the second-longest-running show in Broadway history, has broken records with its storytelling.

It centers around Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, both accused of murdering their husbands, as they make preparations for their court trial. The show was inspired by the real-life stories of many women who committed similar crimes in 1920s Chicago. Roxie and Velma find themselves transitioning from accused criminals to super-stars overnight. The musical does a great job in showcasing their rivalry for the affections of the charming lawyer, Billy Flynn, who ensures their stories are on the front page of every newspaper in the city. The musical takes on a vaudeville review theme that was developed by artists and composers John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse.

The Kingwood production began with a pre-vaudeville performance and review by some of the cast, setting the tone of 1920s Chicago. The set design was extraordinary, taking the local Kingwood audience to: the city streets of Chicago, the daily life of a women’s prison, a sensationalized courtroom, and the lively atmosphere of a jazz club in Chicago. The presence of a live orchestra brought about the feeling of a Broadway-like production, adding to the performance with the energy of live music reminiscent of an authentic jazz club.

Once more time, the Kingwood community has been captivated, from “Xanadu” to “Chicago,” marking an exceptional year for Kingwood Theater. We eagerly anticipate what lies ahead in the Fall of 2024!

Source: https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/history-behind-musical-chicago-1920s-crime-and-vaudeville