“Slick your hair back and buckle your shoes” as Yorba Linda performs their adaption of the famous musical Chicago! This musical will take you through murder, madness, and lots of music.
The musical takes place in 1920s Chicago. It begins with a grand jazz performance by Velma Kelly and many other women, setting the tone for the rest of show. The following scene introduces Roxie Hart, a young woman who aspires to be famous. After having an affair with Fred Casely, she shoots him for trying to leave her. She is not the only one to have killed their lover, though. Velma Kelly and many other women perform the “Cell Block Tango” as they justify their brutal crimes. Hart is facing possible death for her crime. She meets with “Mama” Morton, who helps get her connection to the witty lawyer Billy Flynn, who also works with Velma Kelly. Mr. Flynn seeks publicity for these women to gain sympathy and avoid any cruel punishment for their crimes. However, there can’t be more than one person in the spotlight…The lines of fame and felonies begin to merge, but that’s just showbiz, right?
Cathy Petz (director) and Nick Bravo (musical director) put on an amazing show. Dylan Shube made the dazzling choreography. With an amazing cast, their crew worked long nights from the summer to put this all together. It is clear on stage that each member has grown comfortable with one another, creating a family bond within the set.
This production had everything, down to the most minor detail! Each act had spectacular choreography and props to accompany it. If you’re on TikTok a lot, you’ve probably heard this one: “We Both Reached For The Gun.” This act included props that acted as puppet strings, while Billy Flynn and Roxie Hart took center stage and performed a puppet act in perfect unison.
The play takes the audience back to the Jazz Age in Chicago with a little more twist. Katie Ruoo (12), who plays Velma Kelly, explains, “Chicago stands out from other productions due to how theatrical this show is. Obviously, all shows could be deemed as being “theatrical.” However, Chicago in particular demonstrates the qualities of pure performance both visually and within the plot itself. Roxie and Velma both fight for the spotlight in any way possible, appealing to their audience as they constantly perform.” The Mustang Theatre Company never seems to disappoint, and this show in particular will get you in the jazzy mood!
On opening night, the show ended with a standing ovation by everyone in the crowd. The Mustang Theatre Company really knows how put on a show!
