Vaudeville, the Roaring 20’s, Corruption = Chicago

Chicago the  Tony Award winning Musical Drama set in the razzle, dazzle of the roaring twenties is the next production staged at the Red Barn Theatre in Rice Lake.  Performances will be at 7:30 p.m.  August 3-13^th with no performance Sunday August 7^th.   

Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse with music by John Kander and based on the play Chicago by Maurine Watkins the show takes place in the mid-twenties in Chicago, Illinois.  Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart are murderesses placed in a cell block  together presided over by the corrupt Matron “Mama” Morton who has helped Velma become the media’s top murderer-of -the -week.  Roxie steals Velma’s limelight and lawyer Billy Flynn.  As she becomes the new toast of Chicago Velma is left in the dust.  As  the story of jealousy , corruption and lies unfolds the audience is entertained by musical numbers as All That Jazz, When You’re Good to  Momma, Roxie, All I Care About is  Love, and more.

  Jaimie Helgeson takes on the role of Velma Kelly, Nancy Dutmer plays Roxie Hart, Terry Wiesner plays Amos Hart, Roxie’s husband, while Holly Wiesner takes on the role of Matron”Mama” Morton.  Mark Berger plays Billy Flynn.   The Married  Murderesses are:  Briana Arneson, Jennifer Albrecht, Lizzy Jutillia, Candace Falk, and Barb Buchman.   Other cast members and their roles Include:  Steve Demers as Fred Casely, Dave Mickelson as Harry, Aaron and the Jury,  Z  Arneson as Mary Sunshine, Jennifer Albrecht as the Court Clerk, Amy Lundgren as Go-to-Hell Kitty, Paul Chase as  The Judge and Sgt. Fogerty, Carol Hougdahl as Marny Harrison , John Dutmer as the MC.   Chorus members are:  Carol Hougdahl, Alex Stene, Eric Balsavich, Paul Chase, Amy Lundgren, Bailey and Bethany Arneson as well as other cast members.

  The Red Barn Theatre welcomes the return of Chuck Hoenes as Director and Choreographer of Chicago.   Last season Mr. Hoenes directed Mame at the Red Barn, which is added to the 300 other shows he has directed and choreographed from Chicago to New York.  His background as a dancer includes the formation of the Sue Charles Dancers in Chicago and the Rockford Dance Company.

  Bringing the music to life are orchestra members John Dutmer on Piano/Keyboard, Patty Smith Clarinet and Saxophone, Eric Grover on Trumpet, Eric Kringle, Trombone, John Pisa, Violin, David Ruda, Bass and Jim Hurst Percussion and Drums.