Cast of “Chicago” Announced
Chicago, the most awaited musical to hit the stage, makes its debut at Quincy Community Theatre this July.
It’s Chicago, 1928, and everyone’s dying—or killing—to be famous. Aspiring celebrities Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly will stop at nothing to see their names in lights, and everyone’s eager to help—for a price. Greed and ruthless ambition—“That’s Chicago!”
A group of 19 dynamic performers will finally be able to show off that “razzle dazzle” we have all been waiting for. The anticipation of this show raises by the second as Opening Night draws closer and closer. This production will challenge audiences to see beyond the glamour to the truth that lies beneath the facade. Infused with “all that jazz,” this cast will bring Chicago to life in a way truly unique to Quincy audiences.
The cast includes Megan Peters as Velma Kelly, Michelle Bickhaus as Roxie Hart, Mark Hespen as Billy Flynn, Bill Nolan as Amos Hart, Diana Mast as Matron “Mama” Morton, and Drew Quintero as the reporter. Completing the cast are ensemble members April Albert, Pichi Fernandez, Mekia Gay, Allison Hutson, Heidi Larner, Kelsey Pigg, Julie Schuetz, Lindsey Stroot, Mason Ellison, Shawn Jones, Sean Major, Michael D. Perkins, and Patrick Smith.
“Originally slated to premiere March 2020, we were three days from opening night when we needed to pause due to the stay-at-home order,” says Artistic Director Brandon Thomsen. “Now we are back with a mix of returning and new cast members, and we have the rare opportunity to go back into rehearsal, fine-tune, and explore the show through the lens of the pandemic experience. Our time away has made us even stronger, and there’s a palpable excitement to finally perform this production in front of a live audience.”
Chicago is under the direction of Artistic Director Brandon Thomsen, with vocal direction by Jessi Sparks, choreography by Cheryl Kaiser, scenic design by Lorne Kelley, technical direction by Seth Campbell, lighting design by Ken Phillips, costume design by Tania Ballve and Valerie Hernandez, and stage management by Dan and Jeri Conboy. The live orchestra will be conducted by Jonathon Weller.
Patrons can secure their seats to Chicago as well as the upcoming productions Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast with the purchase of a Fall Series Pass. For $50, pass holders will have the opportunity to reserve their seats before tickets go on sale to the public.
Individual tickets to Chicago are $24-28 and go on sale Monday, June 28th. The performances are July 22-25 and July 29-August 1; Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Seating is reserved.
For those who can’t wait until July 22 to experience this satirical world, QCT will host Discovery Night on Monday, July 12 at 6:00 pm. This free event invites the audience backstage to take a look at the process of bringing this story to life. See the costumes, set pieces, hear from the director and designers, and watch a portion of the rehearsal. RSVP on QCT’s website to attend this event.
Audiences are invited to continue the conversation and meet the cast with a question and answer session following the performance on Saturday, July 31.
For more information, visit 1qct.org or call the QCT Box Office, located in the Oakley-Lindsay Center, at 217.222.3209.
Chicago is sponsored by KHQA, Knapheide, and Quincy Medical Group. QCT’s Fall Series is sponsored by Gardner Denver.