Addison Trail to present winter musical, ‘Chicago: Teen Edition’

Addison Trail Theatre invites you to travel back to 1920s Chicago: a time filled with sensationalized stories of female crimes and empowerment, nightclubs, flappers and – of course – “all that jazz.” Step back in time as the school presents its winter musical, “Chicago: Teen Edition,” from Feb. 9 to 11.

According to https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/62461/chicago-teen-edition, “Chicago” tells the story of “chorine Roxie Hart, (who) murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap … until he finds out he has been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another ‘Merry Murderess,’ Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the ‘American Dream’: fame, fortune and acquittal.”

Addison Trail Theatre Director Anna McSweeney said bringing “Chicago: Teen Edition” to the Addison Trail stage has been more than a decade in the making, after the rights were pulled in 2009. But this year’s strong female cast brought about the perfect opportunity to perform the show.

“It’s a fun production and a different type of theatre that showcases a deconstructed vaudeville style,” McSweeney said. “I hope the audience enjoys the cabaret, jazz setting and is blown away by the talent we have here.”

The talent is so deep in fact, that the show will feature double casting, and six students will alternate performing the three lead female characters. Sophomores Alexandra Marcinkowski and Alexandra Mertz will portray Roxie Hart, junior Ella Anello and senior Lea Staller will portray Velma Kelly and sophomore Raina Ashrafi and senior Anna Olsen will portray Matron “Mama” Morton (leader of the prisoners at Cook County Jail).

“Our goal is to create an environment where the audience members truly feel like they’re in 1920s Chicago and really connect with the characters,” the girls said.

“Chicago: Teen Edition”

When: 7 p.m. on Feb. 9, 10 and 11 (also a 2 p.m. performance on Feb. 11)

Where: Addison Trail High School, 213 N. Lombard Road in Addison

Tickets: Tickets will be available to buy at the door and cost $7 for adults; $5 for children ages 12 to 17; and are free for children younger than 12 years old and for those with a District 88 student ID and a District 88 Senior Gold Card.

For questions or more information: Call 630-628-3365

Important note: This production is rated PG-13.