Roxie Rocks Mansfield's "Chicago"

By Amanda Rutledge, Column Editor

Mansfield University Students performed the musical "Chicago" in Straughn Auditorium from Thursday, February 20 through Sunday, February 23, 2020.

There was a total of four shows performed. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows began at 7:30 p.m. The Sunday show began at 2:30 p.m.

This musical, based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, tells a story that revolves around murder, adultery, exploitation, cons, and lies with a jazz twist. The musical is set in the era of the Roaring Twenties and tells it’s tale via musical numbers such as “All That Jazz”, “The Cell Block Tango” “When You’re Good To Mama”, “Roxie”, “My Own Best Friend”, “I Know A Girl” and “Razzle Dazzle”.

The story begins with Roxie Hart shooting the man she was having an affair with. Roxie fails to get her husband Amos to take the fall for her, is arrested and taken to jail to await her trial. There, the audience is introduced to other murderesses, of which Velma Kelly is a part of. Through the connections of Matron “Mama” Morton, Roxie is able to get a reputable lawyer by the name of Billy Flynn, the same lawyer who has taken on Velma’s case, to take her on as a client. Velma and Roxie both are vying for fame and headlines in a media circus Flynn has created as they prepare to go to trial. As her trial nears and threat of being convicted rises, Roxie employs a trick of her own. She fakes a pregnancy, in the hopes of gaining sympathy from the jury. While this works in her favor and she is acquitted, it fails to get her the fame and fortune she had planned on after gaining her freedom.

During rehearsals, the cast of"Chicago"had the opportunity to work alongside Rob Fisher. Fisher is an American music director who has worked on several Broadway productions. His work on Broadway included the revival of "Chicago"in 1997.

This production was directed by Director Dr. Sheryl Monkelien, Technical Director Peter Davis and Assistant Director Adam Price.

Photos courtesy of Grace Chamberlain