The Howell High School Performing Arts Department is set to bring all that jazz and more to the stage of the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center as it presents “Chicago: Teen Edition” this April. The production will run from Friday, April 11, through Sunday, April 13, with performances at 7 on Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/2ZGF1HK or at the door.
“Chicago: Teen Edition” is a dazzling adaptation of the classic Broadway musical, bringing the roaring 1920s to life with jazz, crime, and all that razzle-dazzle.
Set in the glitzy yet gritty world of Chicago’s vaudeville scene, the story follows Roxie Hart (Kaiyah Leuthy), and Velma Kelly (Jenny Halliday,) two aspiring stars who find themselves at the center of a media frenzy after landing in jail for their crimes. Alongside the fast-talking lawyer Billy Flynn (Dane Calnicean), the tough yet tender Matron “Mama” Morton (Lydia Ilahi), the devoted Amos Hart (Mason Burley), and the opportunistic Mary Sunshine (Lily Rozmys), these characters navigate a satirical world of fame, justice, and deception.
Featuring show-stopping musical numbers, high-energy choreography, and a sharp take on celebrity culture, “Chicago: Teen Edition” promises an unforgettable theatrical experience, showcasing the incredible talent of Howell High School’s performers.
“Our talented students are ready to deliver an incredible and unforgettable performance as we bring the Roaring ’20s to the stage of the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center. ‘Chicago: Teen Edition’ will be fun for the whole family, featuring catchy songs, incredible choreography, dazzling costumes and marvelous acting,” said Amanda Malo, Howell High School drama teacher and director.
The Howell High School Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center is located at 1200 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell.
The Livingston Post wants to introduce you to some of the students involved in the production:
Jenny Halliday, 17
Parents: Chris and Susan Halliday
Siblings: Sarah, Anna, and Abby Halliday
Year in school: Senior
Activities: Team captain of the Girl’s Varsity Swim Team, member of Classicality, Highlander Chorale, and Vox Nova, ITS and Advanced Drama, and NHS
Hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, reading, and singing/music
Future plans: Attending college for Speech-Language Pathology
How did you get involved with the production?
I’ve been in the musicals at Howell High School since my sophomore year, and have loved every single one. Chicago is especially special because it’s my last one.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
The first show I was in was “Annie” at Pinckney Players, where I played an orphan. After that, I was in many productions and summer camps at the Community Theatre of Howell in ensemble roles. In high school, I was in the ensemble of “Mamma Mia” and “The Lightning Thief” as Silena Beauregard.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
This show is so full of fun, energy, and excitement. Everyone in the show, whether it’s the cast, crew, or directors are such hard workers, which just makes the time that we get to spend together at rehearsals all the more fun and special.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My inspirations are definitely my family. My mom and dad give me so much support and love while also working so hard every day. My sisters are my best friends, and I look up to them in every way.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
Playing Velma Kelly, I get to access parts of myself and portray things that I don’t usually in real life. She is so confident, bold, and funny, and that makes this experience so fulfilling and fun.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
The audience members can expect to see a show full of passion, laughter, and, yet again, fun!
Kaiyah Luethy, 17
Parents: Amanda and Ben Luethy
Siblings: Selah Luethy, Obie Luethy, Elleah Luethy
Year in school: Senior
Activities: NHS, ITS, President of Acapella, Captain of Classicality, Highlander Chorale, Co-captain of Vox Nova, Advanced Drama, The Main Four(newspaper), Mikat Music Studios
Hobbies: Singing, acting, hanging out with family and friends, cooking, crafts, hiking
Future plans: I am deciding between going to the University of Michigan to major in vocal performance or Western Michigan University to double major in vocal performance and music therapy.
How did you get involved with the production?
I have been in all of the HHS musicals since my freshman year and they have always been my favorite extracurricular activity. Putting in so much work into something and then seeing the show come together through performing makes all of the work so worth it.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
“Wizard of Oz” – Munchkin; “Annie” – Orphan; “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” – Mrs. Beaver; “Elf” – Ensemble; “Rock of Ages” – Ensemble; “Radium Girls” – Irene; “Mamma Mia” – Ali; “Mean Girls Jr.” -Janis; “Odds Are” – Molly; “The Lightning Thief” – Clarisse; “Sense and Sensibility” – Elinor; “Chicago” – Roxie
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love having a place to build relationships and find community. In my experience, working on a show never fails to bring everyone together and create a comforting environment where I have the confidence to be myself and this show is no exception. Whether you’re in the cast, crew, or production team, we all become a family by the time of performances.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My mom is my inspiration because she is so selfless and is always there to help me with anything I need, especially with all things singing and drama. For every audition my mom helps me practice and gives me pointers. For every role that I have, she helps me run lines. For every single performance that I do, my mom is in the audience. I owe so much of my happiness to her.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part of working on this production is being able to use my singing, acting, and dancing skills to the best of my abilities through working with our choreographer, Rebecca, our music director, Mr. Funaro, and our director, Malo.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Audience members can expect to be super entertained and shocked with all of the cast member’s very technical dancing, singing, and acting as a result of the hard work of the cast, crew, and production team.
Dane Calnicean, 18
Parents: Karen and Michael Calnicean
Siblings: Frankie
Year in school: Senior
Activities: ITS and Advanced Drama, Vice President of choir program, member of hope squad, Boy Scouts
Hobbies: gym, writing, watching movies
Future plans: pursuing a BFA in Acting
How did you get involved with the production?
I’ve been heavily involved in shows here at Howell since my freshman year. So of course I’d love to be involved with this production!
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I have been in “Rock of Ages,” in which I was ensemble, I have been various company roles in “Radium Girls,” Eddie in “Mamma Mia,” Oliver Rivers in “Puffs!” and most recently Dionysus in “The Lightning Thief.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I enjoy working with our choreographer, Rebecca, and our amazing vocal director, Mr. Funaro. I also really love seeing Malo’s vision come together after 10 years away from musicals.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My biggest inspiration is my mom. I love how she doesn’t care what anyone thinks and does whatever she can to keep life interesting. I strive to be that way on and off the stage.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I love bringing the character of Billy to life and seeing how he interacts with all the other characters in the story. The dancing is also amazing to watch/be apart of!
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect to see a story of triumph and rise to glory. This show is not afraid to be honest, and I think people will see this story in a very cool way that they haven’t seen before.
Lydia Ilahi, 17
Parents: Katie Phipps and Boz Ilahi
Siblings: Kerin Ilahi, Ronin Ilahi, Harper Ilahi
Year in school: Senior
Activities: Acapella, Highlander Chorale, Classicality, Vox Nova, ITS, Main Four Newspaper, and Rock Band.
Hobbies: Playing guitar, singing, cooking, and hanging out with friends and family
Future plans: Studying Psychology at MSU
How did you get involved with the production?
I have always loved music and wanted to be apart of a musical. After being able to watch my friends performing in many, I knew it was something I wanted to do. It being my senior year, I knew this was something I wanted to be involved in.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
No, I have not; this is my very first production and I could not be more excited!
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I enjoy being able to spend time with the people I love most while doing what I love most.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My family and friends are my biggest inspirations by far. Being able to watch my best friends sing their hearts out and shine on stage has made me realize how much I want to join them.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part of being in the production is being able to play the character Mama. After watching the movie Chicago I knew that Mama was the perfect role for me. Her attitude seemed incredibly fun to play and her vocal rage fit me great.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
The audience members can expect to see fun and elaborate dance numbers, hear beautiful harmonies, and feel the energy brought by every single cast member!
Mason Burley, 17
Parents: Tara and Patrick Burley
Siblings: Madelyn and Cooper Burley
Year in school: 12th grade
Activities: Captain of Calamity, Co-Captain of Vox Nova, Highlander Chorale, Voice Lessons, Drama, ITS, Advanced Drama, NHS, Boy Scouts, Rock Band
Hobbies: Camping, singing, piano, spending time with friends and family
Future plans: Attending college for Aerospace Engineering
How did you get involved with the production?
I have participated in every musical since my freshman year and I couldn’t miss my senior musical!
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I have been in 14 productions throughout my life with my first show being “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” back in elementary school. I have also been in many shows with the Community Theatre of Howell. Since then I have been in “Rock of Ages” as the Mayor, “Mamma Mia” as Harry, and “The Lightning Thief” as Chiron.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love getting to work with my friends to create something that is so special and fun that we’ve all worked so hard on. It is so amazing to get to see the show come together into something truly spectacular.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My parents are my biggest inspiration because they are such amazing, hard working people. They always help me run lines, watch me sing, and support me with everything I do.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I love getting to learn all the music because it is so enjoyable to sing. I also love playing Amos and figuring out his emotion and how to bring the character to life.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect a high-energy, fun-filled show with big dance numbers, great music, and lots of drama.
Shaena Foley, 17
Parents: Shelley and Chris Foley
Siblings: Kendyl and Braelen Foley
Year in school: 12th
Activities: Collar of Advanced Drama, Secretary of ITS, Editor-in-Chief of HHS Newspaper
Hobbies: Ski, playing tennis, spending time with friends
Future plans: Attending DePaul University for Journalism
How did you get involved with the production?
I’ve done almost every mainstage production at Howell High School so I had to do crew one last time!
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I was an Assistant Stage Manager for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Radium Girls,” and “Mamma Mia.” I’ve stage managed both “Puffs” and “Sense and Sensibility.” I also did flys for “The Lightning Thief” and “Shrek.”
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I enjoy tech week the most because I enjoy seeing all the elements of the show come together.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My inspirations are all the former seniors apart of the theater department because of the dedication and talent they displayed.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I have loved watching all the amazing dances.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect to see an incredibly talented cast perform an intriguing and entertaining story!
