Gloriana Musical Theatre presents CHICAGO!

Chicago is a universal tale of fame, fortune, and the media machine, presented by Gloriana Musical Theatre. Twelve performances will take place at Eagles Hall in Fort Bragg over three weekends: July 27-August 13.

In roaring twenties Chicago, wannabe vaudevillian star Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap...until he finds out the truth. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess" Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight, the headlines, and the attention of their greedy superstar lawyer Billy Flynn. This sharp edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. Featuring one show-stopping song after another including "All That Jazz", "Cell Block Tango", "When You're Good To Mama" and "We Both Reached for the Gun".

One of the most requested shows from the community is based on Maurine Watkins 1926 play inspired by her Chicago Tribune stories of two women accused of murder under the influence of drink and jazz. The Tony winning Broadway revival holds the record as the longest-running musical revival and the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

The Gloriana production is directed by Willits native David Strock, with musical direction by Marie Claire Dizin. The show's choreographer is Tara Ford who owns a dance academy in Willits, and she is assisted by Melany Katz.

"Chicago" stars Blare Elliott as Roxie Hart and Alexis Eich as Velma Kelly. Willits resident Blare was recently in the Mendocino College production of American Idiot and Alexis starred in Legally Blonde: the Musical also at Mendocino College. As Billy Flynn is Jeff Grant. Jeff has starred in several Gloriana productions including Company and Next to Normal. Playing Roxie's husband Amos is Chuck Mordock who starred as Roger in Gloriana's production of RENT. As the tough and sassy Matron "Mama" Morton is Ui Wesley. Ui is the head of the fundraising committee on Gloriana's board and was in Gloriana's How to Succeed in Business...

Velma and Roxie, join the other "Merry Murderesses" in the Cook County Jail. They are played by Maria Ramos (who recently starred as the title character in Cinderella), Tara Ford, Melany Katz, Courtny Conkle, and Kristi Lee Bohlen. Will Schlosser plays Mary Sunshine, a reporter with a soft spot for Billy Flynn and Mark Hetherington plays the Master of Ceremonies.

Our ensemble is comprised of the talents of Sage Andersen, Selena Van Peer, Emily McPhail, Daniel Brewer, Eddie Haehl, Stephanie Foster, Owen Browne, Chloe Breen and Dylan Foley.

Be sure to join us for our Gala performance! On Sunday, July 30th following the show celebrate with the cast and crew and enjoy Chicago style pizza, 1920's inspired treats, a champagne toast and more!

Tickets may be purchased online at gloriana.org, at Harvest Market in Fort Bragg or at the door of Eagles Hall Theatre prior to each performance. This is one show you don't want to miss!

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