Glenn Theatre’s “Chicago: Teen Edition” Opens Rehearsals

Kennedy Mercado, Reporter

Glenn High School’s award-winning theatre department presents “Chicago: Teen Edition”, their first production of 2023. With auditions and casting finalized, Chicago is planned to open Jan 12 and play through the 17th in the auditorium.

Audiences can expect the musical to have a light-hearted and funny story, which follows Roxy and Velma, who form an unusual friendship in prison. Set in Chicago in the early 1920s, these characters face challenges such as murder, scandal and ultimately chasing the “American Dream”. 

Chicago: Teen Edition slightly differs from the original, only editing out inappropriate language. However, Assistant Director Nathan Tran has a directive plan to make Chicago still hit close to home for audiences. 

Tran recently graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in Theatre Tech. He originally came to Glenn last year as a student teacher but returned this year as an official faculty member of the theater department. This is his first time taking the front seat in creatively directing a Glenn production. 

“When choosing the show, we thought, what do we do best? We have a lot of talented vocalists and dancers and we really wanted to do something that highlighted the strengths of the students,” Tran said. “Our whole concept for the show is about how social media has glorified violence, and we’re hoping the subject will allow the audience to really buy in.”

With over 15 years of teaching experience, Director Melody Morton’s passion and creativity shine through the productions she directs. Her organization and constructive criticism are crucial to making Glenn’s theatre productions successful. 

“This production is definitely more of a challenge choreography-wise than anything we’ve done before,” Morton said. “Once we pull it off, I’m excited for the audience to see the film and light elements we’ve incorporated into the show.”

While participating in theater for the entirety of her high school career, Lambrecht has featured her acting talents in many of Glenn’s theater productions. She is currently cast to play Roxy, one of the lead roles.

“I’m most excited for the audience to see how talented our cast is, and how hard we’re working,” senior Lexie Lambrecht said. “Theater is my passion. The final product and getting to perform is what keeps me going.”

Senior Alex Turner recently transferred to Glenn for his final year of high school. He is currently cast as part of the ensemble.

“I’m excited for the audience to see the camera work and the live band playing for the musical,” Turner said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to prove to myself I can do hard work. We’re all so proud of all the work we’re putting in.”