Penguin Hall Presents, “Chicago: Teen Edition”

The house lights of the Larcom Theatre darkened. Backstage, the actors rifled through props and last-minute script readings, applied the final touches of make-up, whispering and giggling. Costumes are zipped, buttoned, and assembled. The heat of the spotlight shone down on the black stage. It’s the moment the students at The Academy of Penguin Hall have been waiting for. It’s time for “All That Jazz”!

Over the course of two evenings and one matinee performance, the student thespians of APH presented Chicago: Teen Edition at the Larcom Theatre in Beverly, MA.

Set in the jazz age of the roaring 20s, Chicago: Teen Edition tells the story of Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, two women searching for stardom while also being tried for murder. Both of them land in the Cook County Jail and plot their comeback to the spotlight and release from prison. There’s greed, scandal, betrayal and a dash of razzle dazzle! Chicago is one of the longest running American musicals in Broadway history.

Margo T. ‘22 and Julia V. ‘23 certainly dazzled as the two leads, Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart.

“I was so thrilled that I was able to take on the role of Roxie!” exclaimed Julia. “I cannot thank my fellow cast mates, the crew, and the production team enough for supporting me throughout the whole production!”

Julia V. ’23 as Roxie Hart

Margo T. ’22 as Velma Kelly

Chicago was the perfect kick-off to my final year at APH,” says Margo. “Getting to play Velma Kelly was such a privilege and I could not be happier with how the show went! Thank you to everyone who came to the performances!!”

The many weeks and months of hard work spent preparing for the big night was evident, as all the actors and crew put on a flawless show. Other notable standout performances were the shrewd “Mama” Morton played by Leia S. ‘23, smooth-talking Billy Flynn portrayed by Katie H. ‘23, soft-hearted crime reporter Mary Sunshine played by Cass F. ‘24 and who could forget the gutsy performance of “Mr. Cellophane” by Emma H. ‘24 portraying Amos Hart! The talent of all the cast and crew was so impressive!

Leia S. ’23 as “Mamma” Morton

Katie H. ’23 as Billy Flynn

Cass F. ’24 as Mary Sunshine

Emma H. ’24 as Amos Hart

Special thanks goes out to our dedicated Directors, Kevin Crowley and Dana Sheridan, Producer, Maeve Harrington, Choreographer, Fiona Brymer ‘21 and Wardrobe and Set Coordinator, Colin McGuire. Your support and love for our students and the Arts are evident in all you do!

CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins
Script adaptation by David Thompson