Our student performers of Chicago the musical delivered an outstanding performance that left the audience mesmerised. The cast’s energy and charisma were infectious, and they were able to transport the audience into the era of Chicago’s roaring twenties. The lead performers had a wonderful command over their voices and danced with precision, creating an atmosphere of glamour and glitz.
The orchestration, stage design and lighting were vibrant and created mood and excitement that showcased our actors and dancers. The orchestra played flawlessly providing atmosphere and accompaniment of the famous songs from Chicago such as All That Jazz and Cell Block Tango. All songs were performed with remarkable passion and energy, lifting the audience in raptures with applause.
Overall, Tintern Grammar’s production of Chicago the musical was a feast for the senses. The cast, staging, lighting, and music all came together to create a memorable theatrical experience. Congratulations to the production team and actors who should be commended for their hard work, determination, and dedication to bring such an iconic show to life.
Our audiences left each of the four shows raving about this brilliant performance – it was truly a triumph! We look forward to future Performing Arts Productions.
Below is a report by Performing Arts Captain Katie Howell
Over last week, Tintern’s cast and crew of Chicago the Musical have dazzled the audiences with four specular nights of glitz, glamour and all that jazz.
The show opens with Velma Kelly, vaudeville star and sometimes murderer introducing us to the world of 1920s Chicago in All That Jazz. Ella Jones brought this scintillating sinner to life with a passion and determination that inspired us all. During this number we meet Roxie Hart, an arrogant, stubborn, and egotistical woman who dreams of being a jazz singer. Natasha Gillam shone in this role, showcasing her vocal strength in her first number Funny Honey. Her commitment to portraying Roxie brought depth to her motives and an emotional vulnerability that blew us all away. Soon arrested for the murder of Fred Casely (Will Storey), she meets the Merry Murderesses of the Cook County Jail – brought to life by none other than Sarah Zhu as Liz, Scarlett O’Connor as Annie, Emily Stokes as June, Ellena Glenk as Hunyak and Katie Howell as Mona. The Mistress of Murderesses Row is no easy job, but with the entire city in her back pocket she’ll do you a favour, if you do one for her. Matron ‘Mama’ Morton played with gusto by Ashley Honan, who may seem like a nice warden, but this friendliness comes at a price. As she sings in her show stopping number, When You’re Good to Mama – you do one for Mama, she’ll do one for you. When threatened with ‘the maximum penalty’ Roxie is introduced to Billy Flynn, best criminal lawyer in all of Chicago. Lachlan Smith brought a fresh take to every scene, always keeping everyone on their toes. Not only can he spin a story any jury would buy, he can hold a note for an inconceivably long time and these talents were combined in the number Both Reached for the Gun where Billy creates puppets out of the reporters, especially Mary Sunshine (Isabella Di Felice), convincing them of everything he says. Roxie’s naïve and loving husband, Amos Hart played by Liam Rosewarne can never say no, and no matter how badly he is treated he remains loyal. Amos quickly gains audience sympathy, culminating in his performance of Mr Cellophane where he sings about the pain of feeling see through. Throughout the whole show, Scar Wild delivers a memorable performance as Master of Ceremonies, announcing each song and building a rapport with the audience.
The show would not be complete without Sean Harris as Sergeant Fogarty, Alex Wong as Reporter/Aaron/Police Officer, Carren Zhu as the Judge, Madeleine Jennings as Court Clerk, Lucy Ryan Wilson as Kitty, Dan Thompson as Juror 1, Adrian Bisignano as Harry, and Brayden Mallet as Martin Harrison. Each and every one of them put in great and dedicated performances and the show wouldn’t be the same without them.
The band did a wonderful job this year, conducted by Mrs Clarke and Mrs Bezaire on alternating nights. They were given the unique challenge of playing on stage – which they well and truly met, stealing the show.
Throughout the last six months of rehearsals, our cast and crew have bonded over this incredible show and we’re so proud of everyone involved and the amount of effort they put in. These connections were crucial to the final performance we produced, and we’ve created lifelong friendships and memories we’ll never forget. And of course, none of this would have been possible without the direction of Karl, who came in at the start of the year and guided us to our opening night with insightful creativity, Vince, whose artistic direction kicked off the show and we would not be here without and the constant behind the scenes work of Min, as well as all the teachers backstage and in the band for the hard work they put into creating this show.
Katie Howell | Year 11
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