Opening Night is Friday! Chicago the Musical Comes to LHS
With opening night approaching this Friday at the Lowell Performing Arts Center, Lowell High School’s theater program is putting the finishing touches on its production of Chicago: Teen Edition, bringing the jazz, energy, and sharp storytelling of the classic Broadway musical to the Lowell Performing Arts Center stage.
Set in the flashy and scandal-driven world of 1920s Chicago, the show follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly as the two women compete for fame, fortune, and public sympathy after finding themselves in jail for murder. With its fast-paced choreography, iconic music, and satirical take on celebrity culture, Chicago remains one of the most recognizable musicals ever produced.
For senior Caleb Wilterink, who plays Amos Hart, the role has provided a unique acting challenge.
“Playing Amos Hart, the naive and overlooked husband, in Chicago, has been a great experience and a real challenge for me as a performer,” Wilterink said. “The show’s energy and iconic music make it unforgettable, and I’m excited for audiences to see what our amazing cast and crew have created.”
While the performers take center stage, much of the work that keeps the production running happens behind the scenes. Stage manager Sophie Liley helps coordinate the moving parts of the show from the wings.
Sophie Liley and Maddie Dexter help the backstage crew stay organized.
“I started as a stage manager last year for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and fell in love with the program here at LHS,” Liley said. “As a stage manager I make sure the show runs as smoothly as possible. I also coordinate cues and work alongside the directors to relay their vision.”
This year’s production has required extra coordination due to the scale of the set and the number of quick costume changes throughout the show.
“The crew has had to work with many challenges consisting of working with large set pieces and numerous quick changes,” Liley said. “I am so grateful to work alongside Rowen Creasy and Madilyn Dexter. They have been a huge help in making this show possible. I can’t wait for everyone to come see the breathtaking show we have been working on.”
Senior Adelaide Plank, who plays Mary Sunshine, says the musical’s energy and iconic songs have made it a memorable experience for the cast.
Adelaide Plank plays the vibrant character of Mary Sunshine.
“Chicago is a super fun jazz musical that follows the even more thrilling story of two amazing characters Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly,” Plank said. “This show is super high energy and entertaining, with lots of fun songs and dances, tons of razzle dazzle, and all that jazz.”
Plank plays Mary Sunshine, a reporter determined to find the good in people.
“I get the joy of playing Mary Sunshine, the sympathetic reporter who is determined to find the good in everyone,” she said. “She is super upbeat and is easily my favorite character I’ve ever played. We have put so much hard work into this musical and it shows. It truly is amazing and it’d be a shame to miss it.”
Cast members say the production has been an adjustment compared to previous shows performed by the program, which often leaned more toward traditional family-friendly musicals.
“I think things are currently progressing really well. We recently started running the show with costumes and that always brings a ton of energy to the cast,” senior Morgan Saylor said.
“In a lot of ways doing this sort of ‘non-kids’ show is very similar when it comes to learning the material, but it is also very different because of the acting style. We have to be more reserved than when we were acting as kids in previous shows, but still bring big energy so that our actions come across clearly. It has been a very fun challenge.”
Lowell’s production of Chicago: Teen Edition runs March 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Lowell Performing Arts Center.
With energetic dance numbers, iconic songs, and a cast ready to bring the story to life, audiences can expect plenty of “razzle dazzle” when the curtain rises. Red Arrow Preps will be taking photos during the rehearsal this week and the matinee.
Director’s Note: All That Jazz (and a Little Bit More)
"Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery, and treachery… all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts."
When Chicago first hit the stage in 1975, it was a bit ahead of its time. It dared to suggest that the line between "celebrity" and "criminal" was paper-thin. Today, in an era of viral trends and instant fame, the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly feels less like a period piece and more like a mirror.
Why This Show, Why Now?
In this Teen Edition, we’ve leaned into the idea of the "Media Circus." Our production explores how easily the truth can be distorted when someone is holding a microphone and a spotlight. For our students, this hasn’t just been about learning Fosse-style jazz hands; it’s been a masterclass in:
Public Image: How we present ourselves versus who we really are.
The Power of Narrative: The "Razzle Dazzle" we use to distract from the truth.
Accountability: What happens when the applause finally stops?
The Process
Working with these talented young performers has been an exercise in precision. Chicago is a "style" show. Every shoulder shimmy, tilted hat, and snapped finger is intentional. These students have worked tirelessly to master the iconic Bob Fosse aesthetic while bringing their own youthful energy and humor to these classic characters.
They haven’t just learned songs; they’ve learned how to command a stage with nothing but a chair and a bit of attitude.
