Chicago, NHS’s fall musical, played from Sept. 29 through Oct. 2, transporting the audience back to the 1920s, where crime was entertainment and jazz was a lifestyle.

Chicago showcased the talent of NHS theater, actors and crew members alike, while leaving the audience tapping their feet to the upbeat jazz rhythms provided by the pit orchestra. Chicago offered a unique experience as the pit sat on the stage allowing the cast to interact with members, namely pit orchestra director Mr. Philip Smyth, much to the audience’s amusement.

NHS’s adaptation of Chicago, directed by Mrs. Kathleen McCurdy, centered around Roxie Hart (Jayna Glynn) who kills her lover in a fit of rage, but attempts to convince her husband Amos Hart (Wesley Blashka) to take the blame. Roxie gets thrown into prison where she meets the infamous Velma Kelly (Lily Slivinski).  Roxie finds herself willing to do anything to be found not guilty, including hiring the cunning lawyer Billy Flynn (Michael Murphy). Chicago not only entertained the audience, but improved the skill of the cast and crew. Pippa Austin, junior, acted as assistant stage manager where she realized “how much work went into the play beyond the cast — over 300 cues were called — with over 90 percent being light cues.”  

Chicago  was a hands-down success, from the first notes of the upbeat opening number “All that Jazz” to the flashy finale “Hot Honey Rag.” Much like Roxie Hart, Chicago was the talk of the town.  High expectations exist for the Neenah Rocket Player’s winter play Peter Pan premiering Jan. 31.