Broadway Training Center of Westchester (BTC), one of the region's premier performing arts schools, will present "Chicago: High School Edition" March 22 through March 24 at the Irvington Town Hall Theater in Irvington, N.Y. This beautiful historic theater was built in 1902 and is a replica of the Ford Theater in Washington D.C. The stage is set for an incredible BTC production and you'll feel you've stepped back in time when visiting this stunning town located on the Hudson River.
With a faculty comprised of industry professionals, BTC is known for its stellar work in youth education and performance. The "Chicago: High School Edition" is an adaptation of the Tony-winning musical created specifically for young adults. The BTC production features members of its Senior Ensemble, a prestigious and award-winning educational theater-based program, comprised of participants accepted by Entrance Interview and Audition only. The "Chicago: High School Edition" cast of actors are BTC's most advanced teen students, able to tackle serious subject matter with maturity and finesse. Based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and adapted by David Thompson, the newest High School edition is a collaboration of Samuel French and iTheatrics in an excellent endeavor to bring the next generation of performers into the energy of, the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, Chicago. The production revisions diverge from the original Broadway show when mostly pertaining to overtly sexual references and adult language; keeping intact the edginess of the show and the iconic musical numbers, written by John Kander and Fred Ebb, such as: "Cell Block Tango", "Mister Cellophane", and musical theater fan's favorite, "All That Jazz". Not only does "Chicago: High School Edition" remain a terrific and timely piece of theatre but the undercurrent touches on the world conversation relating to the "American Dream": fame, fortune, and acquittal.
Our infotainment age was presciently predicted by the creators of Chicago, where committing a crime is the fast track to fame. This satire wickedly skewers the corruption of the criminal justice system and the concept of the celebrity criminal against the backdrop of the Jazz Age. The story unfolds during the roaring twenties in Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess," Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces with incredible song-and-dance numbers that distract you just enough to give you the old Razzle Dazzle!
BTC's production of "Chicago: High School Edition" will open at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23, and at 3:00 on Sunday, March 24 at the Irvington Town Hall Theater (85 Main Street). "Chicago: High School Edition" holds a PG-13 rating.
Tickets are available online at www.BroadwayTraining.com or via the box office, 914-591-6602. Advance sales are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors/students. Door sales are $22 for adults, $18 for senior/students. (Online tickets incur an ITHT facility & handling fee of $1.60 per ticket. Door sales incur an ITHT facility & handling fee of $2.00 per ticket.)
Under the leadership of Co-Artistic Directors, Fiona Santos, and Jason Brantman since 2004, BTC and its students have won over 45 National Youth Arts Awards, including Outstanding Ensemble for seven years in a row. Westchester Magazine has lauded BTC theater classes as the best in Southern Westchester, and Westchester Family has named BTC "Best Children's Theater Company" and a "Top 5" dance studio. This 501c3 not for profit organization celebrates its 27th Anniversary this season!
For further information about the shows, including press passes, or how to audition for our upcoming productions, please call 914-478-7065 or visit www.BroadwayTraining.com.
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