SYNOPSIS

The story kicks off with Roxie Hart, a chorus girl with big dreams and a penchant for trouble. When Roxie finds herself in hot water after murdering her lover, she lands in the Cook County Jail where she meets Velma Kelly, a vaudevillian sensation also facing murder charges. Both women vie for the spotlight and the attention of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, who promises to turn their trials into media spectacles to secure their acquittal.

As Roxie and Velma compete for fame and freedom, they encounter a cast of colorful characters including Matron "Mama" Morton, who runs the jail with an iron fist, and Amos Hart, Roxie's lovable but naive husband. Through a series of catchy musical numbers, the story unfolds with wit, satire, and a darkly comedic edge.

With themes of corruption, manipulation, and the cult of celebrity, "Chicago: High School Edition" offers a riveting exploration of the American dream gone awry. Prepare to be captivated by its sharp Fosse choreography, sizzling jazz score, and unforgettable characters as the roaring twenties come to life on stage in this timeless classic.

MEET THE CAST

CREATIVE TEAM

Producer	Olivia Hamilton
Musical Director	Alison Hocking
Director	Olivia Hamilton
Choreography	Chloe Lawton, Olivia Hamilton
Vocal Coach	Mirelle Morris
Set Design	Tony Lamplough (Cautech)
Lighting Design and Operation	Tony Lamplough (Cautech)
Stage Construction	Jonno Hayne (STAGEHOUSE)
Scenic Artwork	Kerry Stevenson, Angela Portelli
Website Design	Nicole Sims
Props	Kerry Stevenson, Jacinta Chute
Sound Design	Mark Crick (LSS Productions)
Photography	Casamento, Jacquelyn Affidon
Poster and Programme Design	Jacquelyn Affidon, Nicole Sims
Front of House	AMI staff
Ticketing	Kerri Ruff
Refreshments	Nancy Cover and AMI Parent Association

Special thanks

Sr Mary Moloney rsm and AMI Leadership Team
Performing Arts Faculty and Arts Faculty

Acknowledgments

Mirelle Morris, Angelo De Cata, Stephen Valeri, Grainne O’Boyle, Marsali Slocombe, Melanie Malakunas, Siobhan Taylor, John Andritsos, Michael Molony, Concetta Calgaro, Kathryn Orfini, Lucy Neil, Cinzia Stojkovich, Liz Rush, Elena Camera, Fabiola Salvo, Mara Atkins, Pina Nicolazzo, Deanne Harrison, Richard Dinnen, Allison Perin, Bryce Dermody, Montagner, The Academy Maintenance Team

THE SCENE

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, THE LAST 1920s

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT ONE

Overture
ALL THAT JAZZ
FUNNY HONEY
CELL BLOCK TANGO
WHEN YOU’RE GOOD TO MAMA
TAP DANCE
ALL I CARE ABOUT IS LOVE
WE BOTH REACHED FOR THE GUN
ROXIE
I CAN’T DO IT ALONE
MY OWN BEST FRIEND

ACT TWO

I KNOW A GIRL
ME AND MY BABY
MISTER CELLOPHANE
WHEN VELMA TAKES THE STAND
RAZZLE DAZZLE
NOWADAYS
HOT HONEY RAG
FINALE

Producer Notes

Welcome to our spectacular production of Chicago: High School Edition! It is with immense joy and passion that I present to you this timeless classic, a show that holds a special place in my heart. Chicago has always been more than just a musical to me; it's a profound love affair that ignited when I first encountered Bob Fosse's iconic choreography, falling deeply for the sultry, jazz-infused ambiance of 1920s Chicago. I've always wanted to bring this captivating story to life on stage, and I'm so excited to share this opportunity with you. This production has been a labour of love, with countless hours of tireless rehearsal and unwavering dedication from our exceptionally talented cast and production team. I am endlessly appreciative of their relentless commitment to embodying the glitz, glamour, and gritty realism of Chicago on our stage. Our remarkable cast, comprising students from Year 8 to Year 12, have poured their hearts into this show. They've adeptly balanced demanding studies, social lives, and personal commitments while wholeheartedly embracing their roles, and we couldn't be prouder of their dedication. Our musical director, Alison Hocking, deserves immense credit for her extraordinary contributions. Her talent, devotion, and musical prowess have elevated every note, infusing our production with the soul of Chicago's vibrant jazz era. Furthermore, I extend heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff and supportive parents, with a special acknowledgment to Kerry Stevenson. Your countless hours of voluntary assistance, invaluable guidance, and behind-the-scenes support have been pivotal in ensuring the success of this production. From meticulous costume selection to intricate prop construction, your dedication to our students and the performing arts community is truly commendable. As you immerse yourself in tonight's performance, I invite you to delve into the allure of the Roaring Twenties, where fame, fortune, and betrayal intertwine in a whirlwind of passion and intrigue. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Olivia Hamilton
Producer, Director, Choreographer

Musical Director Notes

This is my second year in a row being involved as the Music Director, and with the show chosen as Chicago, the expectations were set high from the get go. As soon as the rights were granted, I downloaded the soundtrack and immersed myself into the world of Chicago: High School Edition and got to work. l was immediately engrossed in the composition of each score, seeing how well it could portray the story even without the dialogue. The adapted tracks did not disappoint either as compared to the original scores, and as a woodwind specialist, I appreciated the scene setting of the supporting instrumentation to the vocals. The auditions were a big process too. We had almost 60 students audition with a short excerpt from ‘We Both Reached for The Gun’ and their chosen solo item for a main lead. There was a lot of talent, but as the show demanded students who were exceptionally strong vocally, showcased a variety of dancing skills and were strong character actors, it made the selection process down to deciding between very slight differences. Throughout rehearsals leading up to show week, we have covered a lot of ground with both the music, choreography and the blocking of scenes. As the show is longer than in the previous year, there was a heightened degree of difficulty in endurance and memorisation, especially with big numbers that involved elaborate dancing, acting and singing all at once. It is an incredible experience seeing how these amazing students learn, take on feedback and come back immediately with developed character and polished vocals. Each rehearsal, they put their full energy and concentration to deliver the best version of Chicago: High School Edition for all to enjoy. And with that, from all of us on the team, we hope you enjoy the show… and all that jazz!

Alison Hocking
Musical Director

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