SVS 'Chicago' Programme - January 2018

THE MUSICAL

Sutton Valence School North Street Sutton Valence Maidstone Kent ME17 3HL

CHICAGO THE HISTORY OF THE MUSICAL

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he story of Chicago dates as far back as 1924 when a young journalist, Maurine Dallas Watkins, penned a short play based on her own experiences covering the 1924 trials of accused murderers Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner for The Chicago Tribune.

At a time when the subject of homicides committed by women was of great topical interest in the American press, Watkins used the real-life story as a basis for her play, with Annan the model for the character of Roxie Hart and Gaertner the basis for Velma Kelly. The play received critical acclaim in Chicago and went on to enjoy a limited run on Broadway in 1926.

Given the play’s popularity, Cecil B DeMille produced a silent film adaptation a year later, also called Chicago. This was later remade in 1942, renamed as Roxie Hart, with Ginger Rogers taking on the eponymous lead role. In the 1960s, Gwen Verdon, the acclaimed actress and dancer read the play and asked her husband, choreographer Bob Fosse, about the possibility of creating a musical adaptation. Fosse approached Watkins, by that time in her mid-sixties to buy the rights, but she repeatedly declined. However, upon her death in 1969, her estate sold the rights to Verdon and Fosse, who recruited John Kander and Fred Ebb to work on the musical score.

Having recently enjoyed their first major musical success, Cabaret, which had opened on Broadway in 1966, Kander and Ebb set about modelling each musical number in Chicago on a traditional vaudeville number.This format made explicit the show’s comparison between justice, show business and contemporary society. Their expertise, combined with Fosse’s visionary choreography, resulted in a show that took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1975. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the musical enjoyed a two-year run, and was then followed by touring versions in London (1979) and Sydney (1981).

The show’s satirical themes and intricate plot saw the musical revived on Broadway in 1996, when it was met with praise from critics. A changing society, in light of events such as the OJ Simpson murder case, meant that audiences were more receptive to the criminal-as-celebrity theme of the show. The musical continues to run today, approaching its 9000th performance, the second longest running production on Broadway. The success also garnered another big-screen remake, with the 2002 version starring Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellwegger receiving an Academy Award for Best Picture. The success in New York also saw a West End version coming to London in 1997, which it ran until 2012.

CAST Principals

SHADOW CHARACTERS

VELMA KELLY ROXIE HART BILLY FLYNN AMOS HART MASTER OF CEREMONIES MATRON MAMA MORTON MARY SUNSHINE FRED CASELY SERGEANT FOGARTY

Eliza Lewis Nina Harman Samuel Grindlay Asher Regal Angus Michie Gracie Rigby Naomi Lijesen Harry O’Rawe Faber Swaine

(Shadow Roxie) Paige Davidson Amber Brinkman Olivia Ferris Imogen Forknall Anna Harrison Katie Lang Isabelle Stevens Isabelle Turner Catherine Veasey

CELL BLOCK GIRLS ANNIE JUNE HUNYAK LIZ MONA GO-TO-HELL KITTY

ENSEMBLE

Beth Pennal Fynley Young Alzbeta Hrivnova Elizabeth Welch Isabelle Cook Francesca Ash

COURTROOM AARON CLERK JUDGE JUROR MARTIN HARRISON

Max Stanton-Gleaves Jack Fenton Edward Mazumdar Lucas Fulford Tom Gray

Nicole Avery Emily Baldwin William Chambers Charlotte Gilman Hugh Harman Daisy Hills Gabriella Howarth Oliver Jones Henry King Cameron Lamont-Brown Sophie Lee Tess Pritchard Amelie Rossiter Katie Swift Molly Veasey Florence Watkinson

MUSICAL BAND FLUTE SAXOPHONES

VIOLIN TRUMPET TROMBONE BASS GUITAR PERCUSSION PIANO

Magnus Linn Lara Bowles Joseph Dale Marta Chronowska Mrs P Fisher Mr G Mann Samuel Pope Mr M Jones Mr J Soman

Page 1

ELIZA LEWIS UPPER SIXTH

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here could not be a more perfect musical to be part of in my last year at Sutton Valence School. Chicago is full of spice, power and determination and that is why it is such a fantastic musical. It’s message is one of inspiration, to fulfil your dreams, whether that is to be a star or to earn lots and lots of money.There could also not be a more remarkable character to play.Velma Kelly is a nightclub singer/vaudevillian who was accused of murdering her husband and sister. As she finds herself on death row her fight for fame is the only thing that keeps her from the gallows in 1920s Chicago.

Her determination and sassiness is what makes Velma such an intriguing and powerful character to play. I would like to think I have adopted some of her characteristics, perhaps not the murderess villainous parts, but certainly her hunger and passion for performing.

I have learnt so much from being a part of this production.

Initially I was extremely daunted by all the dancing that is involved with both my character and as a musical. I have never been a natural stage dancer, due to my inability to endure a single ballet or tap lesson in my youth and therefore I have been entirely taken out of my comfort zone. However, I have loved every single part of it, especially being taught with such professionalism across the department. Being allowed to sing such powerful, charismatic songs everyday, rather than being told to be quiet, has been amazing. This will be a part of my school day that I will truly miss, however, knowing me I will continue to do so. The rehearsal process has been both challenging and rewarding, but so special as it has been wonderful to watch the cast gel and create a piece of art. It has been such an honour to play Velma and an experience that I will never ever forget, and, therefore, I thank you Sutton Valence.

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VELMA

NINA HARMAN LOWER SIXTH

‘Look I’m gonna tell you something, not that the truth really matters but I’m gonna tell you anyways…’

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s a role that strays far from my usual territory, exploring the psyche of a murderess has been enthralling… much to my parents’ horror (for some reason method acting was off the cards?!). From our early rehearsals, it became clear that this process would be a challenging one. However, after the choreography started to take shape, and Mr Fewson ceased to hide in his hoodie, the foundations of the glamorous world of the Cook County Jail began to form, and excitement took over.

This has been a dream role for me, since I first saw the production in 2010, though apparently Roxie ‘isn’t an ageappropriate part for a 10-year-old’. Developing the stamina required to sing, act and dance the way through four nights and several months has been a challenge I have attempted to embrace, and I have been fortunate enough to receive great support from both the cast and creative team. I am so grateful to everyone involved who has made it so memorable, and I hope we can ‘razzle dazzle’ you all tonight.

ROXIE

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BILLY FLYNN SAMUEL GRINDLAY, Lower Sixth

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earing the news that the senior drama production was going to be Chicago, I was very excited to take part in a musical that has always been a family favourite. I am honoured to be playing the part of Billy Flynn, especially as I love all the numbers that he sings. I have particularly enjoyed We Both Reached for the Gun. I remember listening to the Broadway cast recording in the car and seeing if I could hold the long notes for the same time as the actor playing Billy Flynn.

The rehearsal process has been very enjoyable and it has been good to see the other parts of the play develop. I would like to thank Mrs Field and Mr Soman for helping me with the sung elements of the part, Mr Fewson for filling in all the dialogue in rehearsals, and finally, Mrs Howell for telling me I don’t actually have to do any dancing!

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MASTER OF CEREMONIES ANGUS MICHIE, Upper Sixth

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eing cast as the Master of Ceremonies for my last big performance at Sutton Valence has been a joy. Chicago’s rehearsal process and being able to take on the role as a 1920s American has been great fun.

My role is woven throughout the show and has allowed me to take part in the majority of the musical, joining in with some great songs including Roxie and I Know A Girl. I also get to introduce key moments of the show, which gave me a lot of freedom to play with the character. I have had a great time and it has been a privilege to be involved with Chicago..

MATRON MAMA MORTON GRACIE RIGBY, Upper Sixth

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nce I found out that I had been cast as Matron Mama Morton I was over the moon. To have such a fantastic role in my final School production has been brilliant.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process, especially developing my character and having the opportunity to perform in scenes with many of my close friends.

My highlight within the show has to be performing Class, because I have the opportunity to harmonise and really develop my vocal skills. I also enjoy dancing in Cell Block Tango and sharing the stage with so many talented performers. This process will stay with me forever and has given me confidence and self-belief that I can now transfer into other areas of my life.

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MARY SUNSHINE NAOMI LIJESEN, Upper Sixth

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am super excited that we are doing Chicago as it’s such a flamboyant and vibrant musical and it will be my last one ever at Sutton Valence. I was thrilled to get the part of Mary Sunshine as she is very different to roles I’ve played before, which has made this all the more enjoyable. I love playing her because she’s so wonderfully naïve and continues to see the good in people even in a play filled with murderers.

I’ve found the song A Little Bit of Good difficult to learn and it’s quite different from the others in the musical, but Mr Soman’s operatic singing has shown me how it’s done and kept the rehearsals interesting and always full of laughs. I am excited to perform and hope I can do the wonderful character justice. I hope you enjoy seeing the production as much as we enjoyed bringing it together.

FRED CASELY HARRY O’RAWE, Lower Sixth

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was very excited when I heard that this year’s production was going to be the musical Chicago. As this is my first senior production I was pretty amazed to receive the role of Fred Casely. Fred is a lothario and as I had never played a character like him before, I was sceptical to see how well I could portray his witty persona.

During the rehearsal process I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the boys in the song Roxie and have had a laugh putting the dance together, particularly as we’re not exactly born dancers. I’m looking forward to show nights, after seeing all the hard work put in by everyone involved.

SERGEANT FOGARTY FABER SWAINE, Upper Sixth

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n Chicago I play the role of Sergeant Fogarty, the police detective who interviews Amos after Roxie kills Fred. The character is a typical hardened cop who has seen these kind of crimes many times before.

Having been involved in previous drama productions at Sutton Valence, including Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, I am really pleased that Chicago was chosen for my last year at the School. It’s an amazing production and I have loved being a part of the rehearsals and watching all the dance routines. I really hope you all enjoy the show.

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AMOS

HART ASHER REGAL, Lower Sixth

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hen I heard that we were performing Chicago, this year I was ecstatic. It’s a musical I’ve always enjoyed and I knew I wanted to be a part of the SVS production of it.

When I was originally told I would be playing Amos, I was sceptical as to whether I could portray his character to the best if my ability. That, and my attempt at an American accent, was definitely a challenge. However, after frequent (and I mean frequent) practices, runs and rehearsals, I grew to love the character and I hope that you will too, if you indeed “know I’m there”!

From the start to the finish of this amazing process, from memorising dances and numerous line-runs, to learning the song Cellophane, the production has been a blast every step of the way.

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MONA

ANNIE

LIZ

ISABELLE COOK Fifth Form

BETH PENNAL Upper Sixth

ELIZABETH WELCH Lower Sixth

Being a member of the cast in Chicago and watching the production come together has been a fascinating process. It has been a pleasure taking on the role of Mona, who finds herself locked up after having killed her boyfriend!

In this production, I play the role of Annie, one of the Cell Block Girls, who has been imprisoned for poisoning her husband after she discovered he had multiple wives!

Chicago is the first production I have been involved with at the School, and I have really enjoyed being a part of it. The rehearsal process has been great fun, with the mixture of acting, singing and dancing that is involved in scenes like the Cell Block Tango.

The build-up to the show has been very exciting yet very challenging as I am not the best dancer! Overall though, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of the role and I am looking forward to showing off all the hard work we have put into the rehearsals when it comes to the opening night.

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This is my first production at Sutton Valence and I have really enjoyed working with everyone else in the cast. The process has been enjoyable and I think we work well together on stage. My favourite song from the show is Cell Block Tango as it really showcases us as a group. I hope you all enjoy the performances as much as we enjoy performing in them.

My favourite song from the show is definitely All That Jazz and I feel my character has really developed since the beginning of the rehearsal process. Overall I feel I’ve learned a lot especially as the Cell Block Girls include girls from different years in the School; I feel we have learned a lot from one another.

GO-TO- HELL KITTY

JUNE

HUNYAK

FRANCESCA ASH Upper Sixth

FYNLEY YOUNG Upper Sixth

ALZBETA HRIVNOVA Lower Sixth

Chicago has proved to be a really enjoyable final production for me at the School. I’ve found the rehearsals give me a few hours each week where I can forget about the stresses of A Levels and just enjoy learning the dances and songs.

In the lead up to our first performance of Chicago, I loved the rehearsals, especially the Cell Block Tango dance as I got to express my character in many different ways, this also made it my favourite song in the musical.

Being a part of a musical was my unfulfilled childhood dream and this year it has finally come true and I couldn’t be happier!

Being on stage with all the other people woke up the little 10-year-old in me and brought a smile to my face, because I realised I’m living my dream!

Cell Block Tango has been one of the most fun and challenging parts of the process, learning the different harmonies and timings for such a well-known song. I’ve also enjoyed getting to play such an assertive and confident role, with Mr Fewson’s encouragement to “sass-up” being one of the biggest helps in my character development!

My character’s development is shown through the build up of anger and frustration throughout the cell-block scene, as June feels she has been locked up for no reason, despite the fact she killed her husband!

She feels misunderstood, and in a way it was very nice for me to be able to connect with my character in this way.

My character Hunyak and I have a lot in common; we are both foreigners from small countries in central Europe and we both experience how frustrating it is when people don’t understand us! It was very nice and special for me to be able to connect with my character in this way.

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AARON MAX STANTON-GLEAVES, Upper Sixth

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n the production of Chicago, I play the part of Aaron who is an overworked court appointed lawyer who tries to defend Katalina Hunyak. As a character, he is quite irritable and gets extremely frustrated because he can’t understand her language and she refuses to plead guilty!

Being involved in a show like Chicago has been a phenomenal experience, not least because it will be my last show at the School. Having been a part of Hamlet last year, this production is a completely different proposition, and I have learned a lot from it. Undoubtedly, learning all of the dance moves has been the hardest part, but hopefully by the opening night we will have cracked it. I am really proud of the show we have put together and above-all it has been a lot of fun to be involved in alongside friends.

MARTIN HARRISON TOM GRAY, Fifth Form

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s my first senior production at the School, Chicago has been a great experience. Given the scale of the production, it has been great to be involved and see the many aspects come together to create something we hope you will enjoy.

In my role as Martin Harrison, I act as the District Attorney who is prosecuting Roxie and whose sole job is to contrast the excellence of Billy Flynn. As well as my named character, I also act as part of the show’s ensemble and having two different roles has allowed me to see the different aspects of such a diverse show. It has also been great to have the opportunity to act with the upper years and to see how they develop their characters. Overall, It has been a brilliant experience.

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COURT JUDGE EDWARD MAZUMDAR, Upper Sixth

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aving been involved in past productions at the School, Chicago has been a fun final show. At the start, I felt slightly awkward at the prospect of choreographed dancing, but when I realised that I was to be joined by seven other boys who are as rhythmically challenged as I am, I started to enjoy our part in the Roxie dance!

My character is that of the judge overseeing Roxie’s trial. As part of the courtroom scene, I get to perform alongside friends, which has been good.

Throughout the rehearsal process, we’ve laughed a lot and we look forward to entertaining you on the night. I hope you enjoy the performance.

COURT JUROR LUCAS FULFORD, Upper Sixth

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s the Juror in Roxie’s trial, I have really enjoyed being part of the production. The courtroom scene has Roxie playing to the jury, telling them she killed Fred to save herself and her baby. Her performance convinces me that she is telling the truth and she is found not guilty.

Learning my lines and the choreography has been hard as these are not things that come naturally to me. However, it has been worthwhile, as I have seen the show develop and get better and better. Being part of Chicago, in my last year at Sutton Valence, has been amazing and I hope that our performances do the show justice.

COURT CLERK JACK FENTON, Upper Sixth

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n this production, I play the role of the Clerk of the Court, who swears in people with their hand on the bible. Getting to grips with the character has been hard, but rewarding as he is a mild-mannered man, who struggles to control the courtroom during Roxie’s trial.

I didn’t expect the dancing to be such great fun, as it is something extremely new to me. Along the journey of learning my lines and being part of the show, I have gained a lot of confidence and I’ve also had a good laugh, mainly at myself!

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CHICAGO

ENSEMBLE

NICOLE AVERY Fourth Form

EMILY BALDWIN Fourth Form

HUGH HARMAN Fifth Form

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WILLIAM CHAMBERS Fourth Form

DAISY HILLS Fourth Form

CHARLOTTE GILMAN Fourth Form

Gabriella howarth Fifth Form

OLIVER JONES Fifth Form

SOPHIE LEE Fourth Form

KATIE SWIFT Fourth Form

HENRY KING Upper Sixth

TESS PRITCHARD Fourth Form

MOLLY VEASEY Fourth Form

CAMERON LAMONT-BROWN Fourth Form

AMELIE ROSSITER Fifth Form

FLORENCE WATKINS ON Fourth Form

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AMBER BRINKMAN Fifth Form

PAIGE DAVIDSON Fifth Form

Imogen forknall Lower Sixth

ANNA HARRISON Fifth Form

ISABELLE STEVENS Upper Sixth

ISABELLE TURNER Upper Sixth

OLIVIA FERRIS Upper Sixth

KATIE LANG Fifth Form

CATHERINE VEASEY Upper Sixth

SHADOW PERFORMERS Page 14

MUSICAL DIRECTOR Mr J Soman

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nyone who has seen the film version of Chicago will note an additional song which is not in our production: Velma’s tour-de-force solo number I Can’t Do It Alone. Though not in our version, the sentiment of this song neatly sums up my over-riding thought on our production of Chicago, namely that it has been a truly collaborative process which none of us could have done alone.

The staunch commitment from our Sixth Form leads has been exceptional, and it has been good to see the rest of the cast follow suit. It has been a pleasure to assemble and lead our live band, in which pupils and teachers play side-by-side to evoke the jazzy, toe-tapping sounds of a 1920s vaudeville stage band. I extend my sincere to Mrs Holmes and Mrs Field for their hard work with the students working on the songs for this show. I sincerely hope that you enjoy our collaborative efforts this evening.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Miss E Davies

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he School production is always one of the highlights of my year and this year has been no exception. As with any rehearsal process, there have been moments of true brilliance, such as Mr Soman’s choreography, and moments where we I have witnessed Mr Fewson hiding in his hoodie through exasperation and frustration.

Overall, the process has been extremely enjoyable though and the hard work from both pupils and staff alike has enabled this show to become what it is.

Mr Fewson’s direction and vision has brought Chicago to life in an innovative way with just one pair of fishnet tights! As always, Mr Soman’s musical brilliance has inspired the pupils and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Mrs Howell choreograph the large numbers and the pupils have most definitely benefited from working with a professional from the industry. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

CHOREOGRAPHer Mrs A Howell

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s this is my first production at the School, I wanted to introduce myself. By background as a choreographer started when I trained as a professional dancer at London Contemporary Dance School. Upon graduating, I became a dancer with the Richard Alston Dance Company and enjoyed performing and touring internationally with the company for four years. I also worked with Hofesh Shechter for her graduation performance and with Wayne McGregor as a dancer for DanceLines at the Royal Opera House.

Currently, I teach at The Centre - Performing Arts College, as well as in workshops for the Essential Alston programme and, most recently, at Sutton Valence. Starting my choreography at the School with a show like Chicago is a real baptism of fire, but it has been a pleasure to work with the students and staff and I hope you enjoy the show.

Page 15

Director’s Notes Mr B Fewson Another year, another iconic show performed at SVS!

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he Broadway musical and Academy Award-winning movie are so well known and loved that it presents a serious challenge to bring anything new to the story.

In order to do this, we have looked into the text itself.

When you take away the imagery from past productions you are left with a biting satire on celebrity culture, the media, corruption and the creation of the ‘celebrity criminal’.

All of these issues are still alive today and we wanted to present this honestly without taking away any of the ‘razzle dazzle’ from the show itself. For any of you who have seen previous productions, we have somewhat toned down the costume design and choreography to make it appropriate for a school environment!

The process itself has been a challenge that I have been delighted to accept. As the piece relies on high quality music and choreography at its heart, I have had to give up a large amount of creative control to Mr Soman as Musical Director and Mrs Howell as Choreographer. I could not have been more impressed by their hard work, dedication and expertise in bringing together the musical numbers in this production.

During the process, I have watched students whom I have thought weren’t the strongest dancers or singers be transformed into just that in the space of one rehearsal!

Added to this have been the expert direction of Miss Davies as assistant director and the inventiveness of Ms Williams as costume and stage manager, it has simply been my job to pull the narrative together and to give the students the best possible chance to impress this evening.

The set, lighting and effects have all been excellently brought to life by Mr Mitchell, our unflappable Technician with special mention going to our Bursar, Mr Fowle, and his excellent team, without whom we would not have a production to show you tonight.

The stage is well and truly set for the students to show you what they can do, for their hard work to pay off and to give you a performance to remember. Enjoy the show.

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Production Team DIRECTORIAL

FRONT OF HOUSE

Director

Mr B Fewson

Front of House Manager

Assistant Director

Miss E Davies

Choreographer

Mrs A Howell

Musical Director

Mr J Soman

Front of House Miss A Akehurst Mrs C Carter Mrs E Eastwood Mrs F Gosden Miss L Gray Mr M Howell Miss A Hughes Miss J Manning Mrs S O’Connell Mrs B Palmer-Pilgrim Miss Z Radford Miss H Walters

Vocal Coaches Mrs E Field Mrs A Holmes

TECHNICAL Production Technician

Mr J Mitchell

Lighting Support

Benjamin Kyd

Sound Technician

Mr S Allen

Stage Manager

Ms L Williams

Backstage Crew Laura Horley Antonio Malluzzo-Fisher Jack McNama Joshua Scott

Set Design Mr B Fewson Set Construction

Mr J Mitchell

Mr W Radford

BOX OFFICE

Programme Design Mr W Radford Programme Photography Jack McNama Mr D Clarke Mr J Lockwood Programme Printing

Stagg Creative

Ticketing and Publicity Mr W Radford Mrs W Rogers

Sutton Valence School North Street Sutton Valence Maidstone Kent ME17 3HL