Village Theatre KIDSTAGE’s Summer Independent program prepares to razzle-dazzle audiences with its summer production “Chicago” July 15-24 at First Stage Theatre.
The Summer Independent program is a professionally-mentored program, the pinnacle experience for students who come with a background in live theatre. It provides autonomy, resources, and mentorship to those participating, allowing them to select, mount, and produce their own full-scale show from start to finish.
The students producing Chicago have taken on every aspect of production, from performing, directing, and stage management, to designing and building sets, creating costumes, running sound and lights, marketing, production management, and more. Village Theatre’s entire professional staff — from the shops to the marketing office, to the stage managers and beyond — are involved in mentoring the artistic team, all of whom are considered professional interns.
This summer’s production is led and directed by 20-year old, Jacob Moe-Lange, a KIDSTAGE teacher and student at University of California, Berkeley.
“Jacob has a unique background coming from our arts education wing of KIDSTAGE,” says Suzie C. Bixler, KIDSTAGE program manager. “… I can’t wait to see Jacob’s version of Chicago. He has a tremendous passion for the show.”
The musical takes place in the roaring ’20s Chicago, where aspiring showgirl, Roxie Hart, finds herself doing the Cell Block Tango. While stuck behind bars, Roxie and fellow Merry Murderess Velma Kelly vie for the spotlight and headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the American Dream: fame, fortune and acquittal.
Wildly entertaining, with sharp edged satire and an alluring score, Chicago brings together stylized Fosse choreography and powerhouse vocals.
The show is at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday July 17 and 24. It runs from July 15-24 at First Stage Theatre, 120 Front St. N., Issaquah. Tickets are $16, general and $14, youth and senior.
For more information, go to www.villagetheatre.org or call 425-392-2202.
Rianna Hidalgo as Roxie (left) and Taylor Niemeyer as Velma (right). Photo by Jean Johnson.
