Wayne Hills will be performing the famous musical, Chicago, on March 27-29. Chicago is based on a play about two real-life murder cases. It takes place in Chicago during the roaring 20s and involves jazz music, comedy, drama, and crime. The main character is a housewife named Roxy Hart who is sent to Cook County Jail for murdering her lover, Fred Casely, in an effort to keep her marriage together. In jail, she meets another murderess, Velma, who helps her figure out how to get away with her crime. Auditions for the Wayne Hills cover of this musical will take place on December 17-18. This play is very physically demanding as it involves a lot of dancing, but Hills is up for the challenge!
Marconi Sente, a sophomore at Hills, is interested in auditioning for Amos, Roxy Hart’s husband. He feels like he “can play him very well, and plus his song is somewhere in (his) range,” Sente said. Although performing, singing, and especially dancing on stage is frightening for most, Sente is unfazed, as he is not new to the stage. He was involved in Mean Girls the musical last year at Hills too. When asked about the dancing parts of Amos’ part, Sente said, “It’s fun if you know what you’re doing … it is challenging, but if you practice it ends up working in the end.” Grit and the will to work is what determines if someone will be successful, and Sente evidently has the voice and the passion for theatre, so there’s no doubt in saying he will execute his performance!
Mia Guzman, a Junior at hills, has no problem with dancing in the spotlight because, “I have a little bit of experience dancing … I did it when I was younger and I’ve also done it through other musicals, so I’m not really scared,” Guzman admitted. Dancing in front of an audience is not necessarily an easy thing to do, but with Guzman’s experience, she will surely be great. Guzman wants to audition for Velma, and said “I really like that part … I think that part fits my vocals … I like the character and how she is.” Velma is definitely a witty character and Guzman is up for that task. Guzman thinks the show is, “Very unique … very artistic … there are some things you can’t necessarily show because it takes place in a prison … so they have to get creative with it.” She clearly has much respect for the musical artistic nature that it most definitely embodies. The art is everywhere; within the music, the costumes, the plot, and the feeling it gives you.
Cameron Alcalde, a sophomore at Hills, said he is “Pretty excited to finally be able to whip out my (dancing) skills on stage.” Alcalde understands that to act is to have fun and to not force it. He plans on, “going for Billy Flynn because he is the best role in the show.” He is evidently passionate for the theater and this role, saying that “the musical has a very interesting story and plot, so I’m really interested and excited to be able to participate in this musical.” Again, he is passionate and has fun being a part of the theatre program! That is what the arts are all about.
So, if you enjoy Jazz, drama, and crime, you have to go see the Wayne Hills cover of the musical Chicago. It’s satirical, it’s fun, it has all the catchy songs, and it’s the place to be when you want to hang out with friends, family, or to just enjoy the art on your own. Get excited for more information on upcoming show dates and ticket sales as opening night gets closer!