Caitlin Carter and Jessica Lea Patty Star in CHICAGO at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina thru 7/28

The Tony-award winning musical Chicago razzle dazzles on stage at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) through July 28, with stars Caitlin Carter as Roxie Hart and Jessica Lea Patty as Velma Kelly.

Carter and Patty, who have both been on Broadway in a number of productions, have been directly influence by Ann Reinking, who choreographed the Broadway revival of Chicago in the 1970s. Patty was introduced to musical theater at age 16 upon enrolling in a summer camp led by Reinking, while Carter had been Reinking's assistant and was the dance captain in the show's revival on Broadway.

The symmetry continues on stage this summer at the award-winning Arts Center, as the actresses portray rivals while bringing their triple-threat talents together in perfect step. Carter said she and Patty are on the same page stylistically.

"We both understand the style of the show," Carter said. "We were trained very well by Annie, and it's a pleasure to work with Jess."

Carter said she learned the show from Reinking, a direct choreographic descendent of Bob Fosse, who of course directed and choreographed the show in 1974. Carter has been in the original Broadway casts of Chicago (Mona, Understudied and performed Roxie), BellsAre Ringing (Olga), Swing (Principal Dancer), Victor/Victoria (Understudied and performed Norma opposite Julie Andrews), and Ain't Broadway Grand. Her national tours included A Chorus Line (Cassie) and Crazy For You, Mame (Gloria Upson).

Both women are playing roles they relish. The Fosse-dance style also was passed down to Patty, who said Velma Kelly is her dream role. Patty was last seen on Broadway where she understudied and performed the title role of Eva Peron in the revival of Evita starring Ricky Martin. Most recently, she appeared in City Center Encores! production of It's Superman. She was also the Cassie alternate in the Broadway Revival of A Chorus Line. Other Broadway original casts that she's been a part of include The Addams Family, 9 to 5, The People in the Picture and The Boy from Oz. Her national tours include Cats and Fosse.

The Arts Center's production of Chicago was both directed and choreographed by Russell Garrett, who has directed a number of shows for the Arts Center including Smokey Joe's Café, The Who's Tommy, Cabaret, as well as a 2004 production of Chicago, among others. He is active in the theater community in Boston, MA, where he is currently directing Legally Blonde.

Musical Director Bradley Vieth leads the Arts Center's orchestra of Chicago on stage, with all musicians in 20's jazz-band character and costume. Vieth has musically directed SHOUT! The Mod Musical, Hello, Dolly!, My Fair Lady, La Cage aux Folles, and Camelot at the Arts Center among his many credits elsewhere.

David Sattler plays Billy Flynn, having headlined a lengthy roster of European tours, and within the US at the American Musical Theater, Ogunquit Playhouse and Paper Mill Playhouse.

Having been in Broadway's Fosse, South Carolina resident Kathleen Watkins returns to the Arts Center stage, after performing in the theater's 2004 production of Chicago among numerous other Arts Center shows.

Other notable cast members include James Michael Riley as Amos and Adam Pellegrine as Fred Casely.

Costume Designer Diana Griffin captures the flash and style of the roaring 20s ranging from sparkling, fringed flapper dresses to black enmeshed lingerie. The lighting, which showcases the story, has been designed by Lighting Designer Brian Riley, with a creative set design by Sabrinna Cox.

Both aesthetically and musically, this show about sin, song and celebrity brings Broadway to the Lowcountry, as the Arts Center so regularly does.

For more information, visit www.artshhi.com.

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