Rehearsals are underway for the upcoming production of Red Carpet Community Theatre’s “Chicago.” The musical, based on the book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Fred Ebb, is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and script adaptation by David Thompson. Marji Anderson has returned to RCCT to direct the show.
Anderson is a natural to the theatre with her wide repertoire of education and experience. She studied at the University of Oklahoma Theatre and Theatre at St. Mary of the Plains College, along with other areas of study at OSU and Wichita State University. Anderson serves on the Southwest Playhouse Board of Directors and has directed several productions on their stage over the past few years.
“’Chicago’ is an abstract concept. When it came out in 1975, it was different from other musicals, so much so, that it became a landmark show,” Anderson said.
The story is based on an actual true story. It is only for adult audiences, and Anderson emphasized that it is not a show for children because of the subject matter. It is a show full of dance and music.
“The cast is full of people who are very, very talented. For some of them, it is their first show. Also, there are professional dancers in this, while some people are just learning to dance,” Anderson added.
This production shows the amount of talent in Southwestern Oklahoma. According to Anderson, the music is good, the vocalists are good, and the acting is good.
“The dance is the hardest part. We had no air conditioning during part of the rehearsals. The choreography has been done by Cassidy (Crabb) and Emma (Ferrero). I want you to realize what a great job they have done on it,” she continued.
The show opens Friday, Sept. 8th, runs throughout the weekend, and again the following Friday, Sat., and Sun. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Sat. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons. Tickets are on sale now at www. rcct.org. This production is being sponsored by the Bank of Western Oklahoma, Momentum Trucking, and the Williams Co.
Make plans to see “Chicago.” There will be well-known numbers such as “All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle.” The cast includes Cassidy Crabb, Lake Carpenter, Ashley Underwood, Oscar Hernandez, Becky Ross, Joy Hale Moore, Emma Ferrero, Makenna Valdez, Gina Jones, Heather Nebhut, Brynlee Bustin, Axl Herrera, Malcolm Byer, Patti Bloom Harrell, Sarah Byer, Lisa Thompson, Bailey Carpenter, and Riley Intemann.
