LALT Gets All Razzle-Dazzle With Its Production Of ‘Chicago’

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on May 4, 2023
- 7:00 pm

A scene from Los Alamos Little Theater’s ‘Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville’. Courtesy/Thomas Graves Photography

By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com

Murder, jealousy and an insatiable hunger for fame all coated with the glitter of jazz – now that’s “Chicago”, the longest-running American musical on Broadway; and it’s about to come to Los Alamos.

Los Alamos Little Theatre (LALT) opens its production of “Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville” Friday. The show runs through May 20.

The musical, based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, was created in 1975 by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse along with music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, tells the sinfully sordid tale of Roxie Hart, a housewife and wannabe vaudeville star, who murders her lover and concocts, along with her lawyer, Billy Flynn, a sensational spectacle to seduce the justice system and the public into granting her fame, fortune and freedom. Along the way, she meets fellow inmate, murderer and performer Velma Kelly as well as a host of other characters all set in 1924 Chicago.

The Broadway musical has been a smash hit for decades now; it has earned six Tony Awards, a Grammy and two Olivier Awards. Plus, it was adapted into a movie that garnered several Oscar trophies.

To pull off this mega-musical is a tall order, but LALT has met that challenge.

It helps that Hadley Hershey, the show’s director as well as its lighting designer and stage manager, brings years of professional experience to the nonprofit’s show.

Hershey said they enjoyed wearing multiple hats in creating this production.

“I honestly enjoy juggling all these roles,” they said.

Besides, Hershey said, they get to enjoy the work without the pressure that comes with a paycheck.
Technical director, Brad Gregory, said many players in the show carry multiple responsibilities.

“It’s very time intensive,” he said. “The most fun part is getting to understand someone’s vision and achieving that with props and lighting …”

Gregory added that it is rewarding to have the opportunity to “bring to life” a character that has existed in your mind.

Two members of the cast, Holly Robinson and Megan Pimentel, spoke about their experiences bringing the two leading ladies to life. Robinson portrays Roxie Hart and Pimentel plays Velma Kelly.

Robinson said the experience has been wonderful; due in large part to the camaraderie of everyone involved.

“Everybody has been amazing,” she said.

The chance to play Roxie is something Robinson said she has always wanted to do. She describes Roxie as “fun” but also “complicated … (and) kind of self-centered.”

Pimentel said, “I’ve really enjoyed the dancing.”

In fact, her favorite number is “Hot Honey Rag,” the big dance scene at the show’s conclusion as well as the costumes, many of which are made by hand. Costume Designer, Chandra Marsden, researched the era and created pieces with the accuracy and talent she has brought to all the costumes of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, performed at LALT in both 2021 and 2022.

Pimentel said one of the biggest effects is the music, which is performed by a live band.

“Our musical director has done a wonderful job …,” she said.

Nick Denissen, the musical director, said one of the challenges was downsizing the number of musicians for the show. LALT does not have room for a full band, so he had to pair it down. But, Denissen, who has worked on Los Alamos Light Opera’s “Matilda” as well as LALT’s production of “Tick, Tick, Boom”, brings a lot of experience to the job.

He added that he enjoys the music from “Chicago”.

“It does have a lot of musical diversity,” Denissen said. “Which makes it fun to perform live.”

The collaborative spirit for the local production of “Chicago” extends beyond its cast and crew.

Gregory pointed out that both the Los Alamos High School’s theatre club, The Olions, and the Light Opera helped make the show possible.

All the local performing arts groups in town support each other, he explained.

Producer Jacquelyn Connolly added that LALT has benefited from having some fresh faces involved in its productions.

In fact, she credits the Atomic Follies Cabaret series as having contributed to attracting these faces. And it was one of the Creative Directors of that series, David Daniel, who suggested to the LALT board that they put on a production of “Chicago”.

“Los Alamos Little Theatre is such a welcoming and supportive group. Every cast and crew member in this production has embraced each other as good friends and family. That’s community building at its best.” Connolly said.

Show times for LALT’s “Chicago: A Musical Vaudeville” are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, May 5-20. There will be a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, May 14. Tickets are being sold for general admission through VIP seating with discounts for seniors and students. They can be purchased at lalt.org or at the door.

Connolly added that “When you buy a ticket for this performance, not only will you thoroughly enjoy the show but you are also supporting this community and all of that for your money is pretty amazing.”

“Chicago” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. For more information, go to www.concordtheatricals.com