Jazz, liquor, and even more jazz were all brought to Concord Academy’s very own Performing Arts Center on the week of February 17 in the winter mainstage production of “Chicago.” The “scintillating sinners” Velma Kelly (played by student actors Annabel Cooley ’25 and Sydney Johnston ’27) and Roxie Hart (played by Hannah Crozier ’25 and Anisa Brown ’26) starred in this story of murder, “justice,” and scandal in the roaring 1920s. After Roxie Hart murders her lover, she, Velma, and the other “Merry Murderess” vie for a spot in the public eye, all hoping for freedom– but most importantly, fame. The play’s colorful cast included charismatic criminal defense lawyer Billy Flynn (Jake Klineman ’25 and Cam Levesque ’25), who wins his cases through glamour and distraction, Mama Morton (Sophia Primmer ’26 and Mikayla Osafo Grant ’26), the prison matron obsessed with reciprocity, Amos Hart (Jacob Sobol ’25 and Luke Schumacher ’26), Roxie’s hapless husband, and the ever-so-optimistic Mary Sunshine (Maisy Bull ’25 and Grace Goodman ’27), reporter for The Evening Star.

Theater teacher and director Shelley Bolman shared the reasoning behind the choice of this age-old Broadway classic. He remarked, “[a musical] about the intersection of justice, the media and corruption [...] seemed especially appropriate in this age of misinformation.” Hoping that both the cast and the audience would resonate with this message, Bolman added, “[it’s important to] reflect on how similar many of the hot-button issues of the 1920’s and 2020’s are and how those in power continue to use the same prejudiced narratives to consolidate power and oppress marginalized populations in the US.” In this time of political turmoil, both nationally and internationally, this season’s productions have attempted to shine a light on the intersection of the injustices of the past and the present. This decision, made in partnership with music director and Performing Arts Department Head Michael Bennett, ultimately brought “Chicago” to CA.

The show was not just a crossroad of corruption and glamour, but also of two types of performing arts. Noting how “Chicago” is the second production in the past eight years where the Mainstage and Dance Project (CADP) have collaborated, Bolman shared his experience directing both groups for the first time. While he did express the logistical difficulties of scheduling rehearsal times and managing costuming with such a large ensemble, he said, “[it was well worth it] to have a group that was strictly dedicated to learning some of the most advanced choreo[graphy] in the show and really making that their main focus.” Choreographed by dance teacher Patrick O’Neill and assistant choreographer and dance captain Foster Woodberry ’27, the musical allowed for more complex numbers, presenting a creative balance between singing and dancing.

Knees were rouged, jailbirds sung, and it is safe to say that the P.A.C.’s final production dazzled the CA audience. While the P.A.C.’s “Nowadays” may be coming to an end, the Centennial Arts Center will be debuting its first show next fall and the CA community eagerly awaits the Performing Arts Department’s next production.