By Patrick Panarese ‘24
Have you ever wondered how Chicago was in the 1920s? Imagine the music playing in the most popular clubs and spots in town. Our next-door neighbor, Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, is all set to present the musical Chicago on Nov. 16 and 19. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
All the cast members are enthusiastic about this high-energy and electrifying show. Junior Mike Heilmann plays the leading role of Billy Flynn, a defense attorney who helps the women of Chicago prove their innocence in criminal cases.
Mike was excited when he got the role.
Heilmann said, “When achieving the role of Billy Flynn and getting to be with such a great cast, I was ecstatic. Playing my dream role, which my dad has also played, means the world to me. I believe the show is really coming together, and I know it’s going to be a fantastic show.”
There are over 100 individuals working together to put on this spectacular show. Regardless of the size of their role, they all are giving one hundred percent effort to make this show amazing. Sophomore Holden Partacz is part of the ensemble in the show Chicago and is making his stage debut.
Partacz said, “Overall, theater has been amazing so far, and I’m really excited to perform in my first show. The theater has been an incredible experience for me, and I’m so glad I joined.”
In this production, many behind-the-scenes activities are taking place, all contributing to the success of the show. The tech director, Ms. McCasland, is putting significant effort into designing the set for Chicago to make it interactive with the audience. Her creative architectural ideas and vision have manifested in the set that will grace the stage.
Ms. McCasland said, “Instead of a bare-bones set for Chicago, my idea was to make it resemble familiar pieces of art deco architecture in Chicago. The set is heavily based on the Carbon and Carbide Building. I’m thrilled to work with my crew team to make this set a reality.”
Tickets are selling out quickly. Please consider purchasing these tickets soon.
If you would like to come see this jazzy performance, here is the ticket link: Chicago Ticket Link.
