With jazz hands, razor-sharp wit and a whole lot of razzle-dazzle, MN Drama presents its production of Chicago: Teen Edition later this month. Set in the smoky glamour of the Roaring Twenties, the show brings together scandal, satire and show-stopping choreography, all driven by the talents of Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) student performers. From its iconic score to its darkly comedic take on fame and justice, MN Drama’s Chicago promises to be an electrifying night of theater!
Directed by Brian Walden and produced by Rachael Ditri, MN Drama’s Chicago: Teen Edition is a school-appropriate adaptation of the classic musical, set in 1920s Chicago. Brian, the assistant principal at Aronimink Elementary School in Upper Darby, began directing Marple Newtown students back in 2015. “Chicago has been on Broadway for 25 years and is considered a classic, high-quality show,” said Brian. “Chicago: Teen Edition keeps the core message of the original show, how fame and image can influence justice, while presenting the story in a way suitable for younger performers and audiences.”
Chicago: Teen Edition follows the story of Roxie Hart, an ambitious young woman who dreams of fame and fortune. After committing a serious crime, she is sent to jail, where she meets Velma Kelly, a confident performer also accused of murder. The two become rivals as they compete for attention and popularity.
Sisters Molly and Anna Dietzler play Velma and Roxie. The granddaughters of the legendary Harry Dietzler, who established Upper Darby Summer Stage in 1976, Anna and Molly have both been acting as long as they can remember. They also take dance classes at Twirl in Newtown Square and have been working with Rachael to perfect the songs. “Numbers like All that Jazz and Cell Block Tango are really fun because they’re really dance heavy,” said Rachael, who has been MNHS’s choral director for the past four years. “Bring your feathers and pearls and you may find yourself dancing, too!”
Although the two sisters have been in shows together before, this one will be really special. “We really click together,” said Anna, who is a sophomore at MNHS. As Roxie, Anna said she con- nected with her and her dream to be in shows. “Roxie never gives up on her dream,” she said. “She’s able to navigate life’s challenges.” For junior Molly, it’s been especially fun to dive into the Velma character. “She’s sassy and blunt,” she said. “And performing is her outlet, which I can really relate to.”
With the help of charismatic lawyer Billy Flynn (played by Rob Schaub), Roxie and Velma learn how to use the media and public opinion to their advantage. The musical uses energetic jazz-style songs and vaudeville-inspired performances to explore themes of ambition, rivalry and the desire for fame. The show is renowned for its Bob Fosse-inspired dancing. “Bob Fosse was a choreographer, director, performer and visionary changemaker in the theatre world. It’s really iconic choreography and style,” said Brian. “Each year, we try to do a production that is a bit different than the last
one. We really want to challenge the kids.”
The cast and crew of Chicago: Teen Edition includes 110 MNHS high school students as actors, dancers, stage crew members and musicians. From building the sets and managing props and costumes, the stage crew is working with colors, lighting and design to help bring the vision of the roaring twenties to life. Parents also play a pivotal role in the production. Pete Rice and Matt Zelonka help build the set and Barb Zelonka works tirelessly behind the scenes with costume design. “It takes a village to put on a high school musical,” said Brian. “We could not do this without the
parents who donate their time and talents.”
There are also several roles for students to branch out and take on leadership roles, including student choreographer, student producer and student director. “We are always looking for ways to challenge the drama students,” said Brian. “The students have great ideas,” added Rachael. “They’re massively involved and they really help each other. Sometimes theater can be a competitive environment. Our cast and crew are really supportive and there is so much joy and happiness.”
Senior Irene Biju is the president of MN Drama and also plays the role of Mary Sunshine. “What I love about being part of the drama club is the friendships,” she said. Irene added that this year’s musical is particularly fun and different than some of the shows they’ve done in the past. “It really allows everyone to show off their vocal and dance skills.”
MN Drama’s cast, crew and orchestra have been working diligently to perfect the production of this year’s Spring Musical. Audiences will not want to miss Chicago: Teen Edition, a dark, humorous look at the 1920s justice system, media sensationalism and the pursuit of fame. Performances start Thursday, March 12th and run through Saturday, March 14th. Visit MNDrama.org for showtimes and ticket information.