HWRHS Presents Chicago: A Musical of Fame, Crime, and Jazz
The curtain is set to rise at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School for this year’s fall musical, Chicago (Teen Edition). The show follows two women—Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly—whose ambitions for fame lead them down a darkly comic path of crime, manipulation, and media frenzy as they await trial for murder.
Performances will take place on Friday, November 14 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School Ferrini Auditorium.
Tickets are $10 for HWRSD students and $15 for the general public. They can be purchased at the door (cash or check) or in advance at hwrhschicago.brownpapertickets.com.
As the cast prepares to take the stage, two of the performers reflect on what it’s taken to capture Chicago’s unmistakable razzle-dazzle.
Nicolas X. Szekely, who plays Roxie’s often-overlooked husband, Amos Hart, said, “It’s been a long process, but I’m genuinely very excited for everyone to see it,” adding that he’s grateful the Burnetts “have put so much of their faith in me and have given me so much control over the character of Amos Hart.”
For Liam Geaney, who plays smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn, the production has been both a challenge and a thrill: “Billy Flynn defends these women who are committing heinous crimes but still getting away with it,” he said. “I basically convince everyone they’re innocent.”
Liam says his favorite song, “Razzle Dazzle,” captures the heart of the show, and of performing itself. “It’s about putting on a show,” he said. “The message rings true: if you put yourself out there, you can go really far.”
“Chicago is my favorite show ever, and Billy Flynn is my dream role,” he added. “It’s so fun because I get to be this ringmaster in control of everything that happens.”
One of Liam’s favorite moments came when he added his own cane choreography to his first number. “I didn’t show anyone until a run-through, and when I did it, there were screams,” he said. “It was the icing on the cake.”
Reflecting on the process, Liam noted the show’s intensity: “It’s full of dancing and showmanship, nothing subtle about it. You have to be at 100% at all times on stage.”
Beyond the spotlight, he hopes audiences appreciate the effort behind the scenes. “Everyone’s giving it their all,” he said. “It’s not an easy show. There are so many quick changes, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Ms. Burnett agrees, saying, “This has been such a team effort. It has been a joy working with all the actors onstage and the crew, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the show to life.”
When asked to describe Chicago in one word, Liam chose ironic. “It’s about bad people getting away with bad things, but that’s what makes it so funny. Everyone’s flawed, and that’s part of the brilliance.”
The lights dim, the jazz begins, and the HWRHS cast takes the stage Friday night and Saturday afternoon and night. Make sure to catch one of the three performances of Chicago. You won’t want to miss it.
