CHICAGO Comes To Contra Costa Civic Theatre

Contra Costa Civic Theatre has announced that CHICAGO will take to the stage on September 16th.
"A story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery - all the things we hold near and dear to our hearts." And so begins Chicago. Created by John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, Chicago nabbed 10 Tony nominations when it opened on Broadway in 1975 and won six awards for its' 1996 revival. The movie adaptation was honored with six Academy Awards, including Best Picture in 2003.

Roxie Hart is a chorus girl in the 1920's who dreams of becoming a Vaudeville star. Her dream is threatened when she murders her lover. She convinces her husband Amos that he was a burglar and Amos happily and heroically takes the blame until the police discover the truth and send Roxie to the women's block of Cook County jail, presided over by the corrupt "Mama" Morton. Roxie manages to hire the slickest defense lawyer in Chicago, Billy Flynn, and suddenly becomes the celebrity criminal of the moment - a title once held by fellow inmate Velma Kelly. And the battle for the limelight begins...

Chicago includes the memorable "All That Jazz", "When You're Good to Mama", "Razzle Dazzle", "Cell Block Tango" and one show stopping song after another.

"This story in 'Chicago' plays out like an episode of reality TV" said Derrick Silva, director and choreographer. "We witness people behaving badly - but for some reason we cheer them on no matter how deceitful or self serving they are. This show is also about sensationalism. It works so well as a musical because the story is set against a backdrop of jazz induced music, and incredible dancing. We wanted to give our audiences something exciting to kick off our 52nd season, and the amazingly talented 20 person cast we have assembled is ready to explode on to our stage!"

Chicago is directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Derrick Silva, musical direction is by Joe Simiele. This production features set design collaboration by Henry Perkins and Derrick Silva, costumes by Lisa Danz, lighting design by Adam Fry, sound design by Travis Rexroat and props by Kyla Morris who is also the Producer.

Cast includes: Randy Anger, Deirdre Ashby, Trisha Ayllon, Charlie Fields, Emily Garcia, Nicole Julian, Ben Krantz, Sean Libiran, Joe Loper, Brie Martin, Jetta Martin, Parris Moore, Eden Nasalga, Bryan Pangilinan, Katie Pogue, Alex Rodriguez, Romina Ronquillo, Amie Shapiro and Steven Sloan.

Chicago runs September 16th - October 16th and plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm, with added performances on Thursday October 6th and Thursday October 13th. It is considered PG-13. Tickets are $27, $15 for ages 16 and under and may be purchased online at www.ccct.org or by phone at 510-524-9132. Contra Costa Civic Theatre is located at 951 Pomona Avenue (at Moeser), with free parking in an adjoining lot.

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