Six Redland performers bring a myriad of talent to the stage as cast in Chicago, being staged by Savoyards with eight shows from September 29 to October 13 at Iona Performing Arts Centre.
Angela Schoemaker of Wellington Point, Zoe Costello of Victoria Point, Tony Meggitt of Redland Bay, Kristan Ford of Alex Hills, Jade Wright of Redland Bay and Victoria Sica of Wellington Point are among the cast of 43, proving their mettle both on and off the stage.
Formerly from New York, Ms Sica, 24, is trained in circus arts and unknowingly attended a performing arts camp taught by Chicago’s musical director, Ben Tubb-Hearne. This will be her first Brisbane musical.
“The people are so friendly and have made me feel so welcome, particularly as I have never done a show before. It’s an incredible show and so much fun. Everyone is so talented. I mean I can sing, but the chorus is taught a harmony and get it immediately,” Ms Sica said.
“I definitely plan to stick around for a few more (shows),” she said.
Mother and daughter duo Ms Schoemaker and Ms Wright perform as both a murderess and a member of the ensemble while Mr Ford is both a dancer and works in the costuming department.
Ms Wright, 29, said it was “pretty special” to work with her mother.
“Every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday we get to rehearse together. I don’t think many mothers and daughters get to do that. We are pretty close, but it’s special to both do something together that you enjoy. Mum’s an incredible dancer,” Ms Wright said.
The pair also worked with the same choreographer and director in Nice Work if You Can Get It and that Savoyard’s cameraderie and culture is what brought Ms Wright back to do Chicago.
”It’s a great show. The dances are pretty hard. The choreographer is working in the true Bob Fossey style which is all about the shapes and their space in the movement. It’s a challenge and hard work, but pretty cool,” she said.
The musical features Roxie Hart who murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap, until he finds out he's been dumped and turns on Roxie.
Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another murderess Velma Kelly vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the American Dream.
This sharp-edged satire features a dazzling score with well known songs including All That Jazz, Razzle Dazzle, and Mr Cellophane.
The show is choreographed by Desney Toia-Sinapati and directed by Sherryl-Lee Secomb.
Tickets range from $28 to $50 and are available at savoyards.com.au
