Set in jazz-age Chicago in the 1920’s, “Chicago” follows Roxie Hart, a performer who gains attention after killing the man she was having an affair with. The musical featured lots of comedy and catchy songs, while covering a relatively dark plot.

The story follows Roxie Hart, a performer who gains attention after killing the man she was having an affair with. The musical features lots of comedy and catchy songs, while covering a relatively dark plot.

Nicole Holahan, senior, played Hart, one of the leads of the musical. Such a role is quite the contrast from roles Holahan had in earlier musicals. As an actor, she has grown and developed through her years of high school.        

“My acting definitely got better since freshman year,” Holahan said. “Ms Hopkins (the director) helped me develop my acting a lot over time.”

Despite having a major role, Holahan was comfortable in the spotlight.

“I wasn’t nervous, I was just excited,” Holahan said. “I was running around backstage before the first show.”

Another notable character in the show was Velma Kelly, played by senior Alona Jenkins. This was Jenkins’ first musical, and she earned one of the lead roles.  

“I really had to step outside my comfort zone to become someone who’s extremely sassy and provocative,” Jenkins said. “I was nervous because I didn’t think I would be able to hit the notes,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins also felt the pressure of having all eyes on you.

“If you mess up everyone notices it,” Jenkins said.

Nathan Hill, junior, played Billy Flynn, a snarky lawyer who helped Roxie Hart in trial. Hill enjoyed playing Flynn and making the audience laugh.  

“It was a fun role to play because the character was so morally interesting,” Hill said.

Hill had initial concerns about the musical, but felt that it turned out well.  

“Leading up to the performances, I was a little worried because we didn’t have as many dress rehearsals as usual,” Hill said. “But I think it turned out great.”

According to Catherine Hopkins, director, picking “Chicago” for this years musical was an easy decision.

“We had been trying to get the rights for the past two years because we knew we had the female talent, but the rights were not available until this year,” Hopkins said. “So we jumped at the chance when we found out this summer they had released a high school version.”

Hopkins felt that the students made a lot of progress overtime and stepped up into their various roles.

“I’m very proud of the growth I saw throughout this whole process,” she said. “I saw freshmen really rise to the challenge and support one another and I saw the seniors mentoring the underclassmen and performing at their highest potential. I think every cast member pulled powerful and memorable performances.”