TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL CHICAGO OPENS REP'S 43RD SEASON

Opportunity knocks as Arkansas Repertory Theatre opens its 2019 Season with the Tony Award-winning production, Chicago. The musical-book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse; music by Jon Kander; lyrics by Fred Ebb-is based on a play of the same name by Chicago Tribune reporter and playwright Maurine Dallas Watkins. Ron Hutchins will direct and choreograph Chicago which runs Feb. 20-March 24. Tickets are available online at TheRep.org.

"For me personally, this show is dedicated to all of The Rep friends and family who worked so diligently to save The Rep," Hutchins said. "Most notably it is to honor Cliff Baker, who founded this wonderful theatre for us create art. This cast of Chicago is going to provide 'All that Jazz' and more. We are going to give the community a production of Chicago they will never forget."

The story, set in the mid-1920s Jazz Age, follows the murder trial of Roxie Hart and her slick-talking attorney, Billy Flynn. Roxie quickly becomes the most popular celebrity in Chicago, dethroning fellow inmate Velma Kelly. This legendary musical takes a tantalizing look at how the allure of fame remains a fundamental motivation for those willing to sacrifice their scruples for the spotlight.

Chicago earned five Tony Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, seven Drama Desk Awards and two Olivier Awards (for the British production).

The Arkansas Rep cast includes Adriana Milbrath, Daisy Hobbs, Felicia Dinwiddie, Christopher Johnstone, Matt Allen, Z. Spiegel, Matty Rickard, Erik Joshua Clack, Nicholas Karl Brown, Brian Earles, Anthony Bryant, Frederick Webb Jr., Madeleine Corliss, Joi Hester, Rachel Perlman, Sydney Ippolito, Allison Wilson and Sarita Crawford.

The design and creative team includes Trish Clark, costume designer; Lynda J. Kwallek, properties designer; Mike Nichols, resident set designer/technical director; Michael Rice, musical director; and Marty Vreeland, lighting designer. The production manager is Joshua Marchesi and the stage manager is Colin JB. Phillip T. Perez is the assistant stage manager.

"Unlike the current revival on Broadway, we are doing a full-scale vaudeville/burlesque, scene-changing production. Done in the style of legendary director/choreographer Bob Fosse, I am excited to take a different approach to the show," Hutchins said. "I have assembled some of the most talented singer/dancers from the Little Rock community with top-tier artists from NYC. I am thrilled to direct/choreograph them on Mike Nichols' amazing set, dress them in Trish Clark's gorgeous risqué costumes and illuminate them with Marty Vreelands' magic."

Chicago has generous support from Chip and Cindy Murphy.

Tickets start at $20. Discounts are available for full-time students, season subscribers, seniors and military personnel. For complete information, visit TheRep.org

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