SMC debuts production of ‘Chicago’ Thursday

Published 10:22 am Wednesday, February 22, 2017

By Ted Yoakum

Murder, greed, corruption and other sins near and dear to the heart will be on full display this weekend, as Southwestern Michigan College debuts its production of famed Broadway musical “Chicago” Thursday.

The show runs from Thursday to Sunday at the Dale A. Lyons Building theater, with curtains rising at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for seniors; students under 18, or SMC students with student IDs, will be admitted for free.

People can purchase tickets at swmich.edu/boxoffice.

Set in Prohibition-era Chicago, the Tony-award winning musical opens with aspiring starlet Roxie Hart (Lindsey Ludens) murdering her lover after he attempts to walk out on her. Now imprisoned and faced with possible execution for her crime, Hart employs the services of high-powered attorney Billy Flynn (Dan Maxon), who concocts a tale to turn his client into the city’s newest celebrity darling — much to the chagrin of another of Flynn’s clients and former headline-making murderess, vaudevillian Velma Kelly (Mariah Rifenberg).

A story steeped in murder, lies and manipulation — particularly of the media — the 40-year old play should resonate with today’s audiences, said Maxon, who also directs the production.

“It is very much about our obsession with the perverse side of ourselves and a celebration of our darker proclivities,” Maxon said.

On top of the seedy plot, “Chicago” is notable for how often the cast “breaks the fourth-wall,” with the play opening up with the cast positioning props or checking their makeup, tasks that normally take place before the curtain rises.

On top of the starring cast, the show features a large ensemble, who, on top of performing in dance numbers, do everything from play bit characters in the background to help reposition props.

“It is a very active ensemble,” Maxon said. “They are a character onto themselves.”

This is the first play that Maxon, an adjunct acting instructor with the college, has helmed at SMC, he said. The cast has been rehearsing the show for the last six weeks, a rather condensed schedule for this type of production, the director said.

Pitching in with the production is SMC Choral Director David Carew and band director Jonathan Korzun, with the latter directing the band members on stage during the show.

“It is dance, dance, dance all the time — but the music is just as important,” Maxon said.

In spite of the shortened rehearsal schedule, Maxon said the cast has really grown as performers since they began working on the show. As they head into opening night, the director is confident they will deliver when the curtain rises Thursday.

“As a part of both the cast and as the director, I know I will be feeling really proud of everyone when the curtain closes this week,” he said.

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