Producer Notes
Welcome to our spectacular production of Chicago: High School Edition! It is with immense joy and passion that I present to you this timeless classic, a show that holds a special place in my heart. Chicago has always been more than just a musical to me; it's a profound love affair
that ignited when I first encountered Bob Fosse's iconic choreography, falling deeply for the sultry, jazz-infused ambiance of 1920s Chicago. I've always wanted to bring this captivating story to life on stage, and I'm so excited to share this opportunity with you. This production
has been a labour of love, with countless hours of tireless rehearsal and unwavering dedication from our exceptionally talented cast and production team. I am endlessly appreciative of their relentless commitment to embodying the glitz, glamour, and gritty realism of Chicago on our
stage. Our remarkable cast, comprising students from Year 8 to Year 12, have poured their hearts into this show. They've adeptly balanced demanding studies, social lives, and personal commitments while wholeheartedly embracing their roles, and we couldn't be prouder of their
dedication. Our musical director, Alison Hocking, deserves immense credit for her extraordinary contributions. Her talent, devotion, and musical prowess have elevated every note, infusing our production with the soul of Chicago's vibrant jazz era. Furthermore, I extend heartfelt
gratitude to our dedicated staff and supportive parents, with a special acknowledgment to Kerry Stevenson. Your countless hours of voluntary assistance, invaluable guidance, and behind-the-scenes support have been pivotal in ensuring the success of this production. From meticulous
costume selection to intricate prop construction, your dedication to our students and the performing arts community is truly commendable. As you immerse yourself in tonight's performance, I invite you to delve into the allure of the Roaring Twenties, where fame, fortune, and betrayal
intertwine in a whirlwind of passion and intrigue. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Olivia Hamilton
Producer, Director, Choreographer
Musical Director Notes
This is my second year in a row being involved as the Music Director, and with the show chosen as Chicago, the expectations were set high from the get go. As soon as the rights were granted, I downloaded the soundtrack and immersed myself into the world of Chicago: High School
Edition and got to work. l was immediately engrossed in the composition of each score, seeing how well it could portray the story even without the dialogue. The adapted tracks did not disappoint either as compared to the original scores, and as a woodwind specialist, I appreciated
the scene setting of the supporting instrumentation to the vocals. The auditions were a big process too. We had almost 60 students audition with a short excerpt from ‘We Both Reached for The Gun’ and their chosen solo item for a main lead. There was a lot of talent, but as the show
demanded students who were exceptionally strong vocally, showcased a variety of dancing skills and were strong character actors, it made the selection process down to deciding between very slight differences. Throughout rehearsals leading up to show week, we have covered a lot of
ground with both the music, choreography and the blocking of scenes. As the show is longer than in the previous year, there was a heightened degree of difficulty in endurance and memorisation, especially with big numbers that involved elaborate dancing, acting and singing all at
once. It is an incredible experience seeing how these amazing students learn, take on feedback and come back immediately with developed character and polished vocals. Each rehearsal, they put their full energy and concentration to deliver the best version of Chicago: High School
Edition for all to enjoy. And with that, from all of us on the team, we hope you enjoy the show… and all that jazz!
Alison Hocking
Musical Director