Crestwood High School presents the high school version of the musical “Chicago” April 22 to 30, with Harry Krafchak (left) as Amos Hart, Kelsey Genga as a Merry Murderess, Alina Hazime as Velma Kelly, Lynsey Zundel as Roxie Hart, Khalia Mims as Matron “Mama” Morton and Mahdi Osseili as Billy Flynn. For more information, go to crestwoodtheatre.com.
Whether watching musical murderesses or the comic mayhem of a desperate theater company, laughter is on tap with Crestwood High School’s production of “Chicago” (the high school version) and Barefoot Production’s presentation of the comedy “Moon Over Buffalo.”
CRESTWOOD PRESENTS HIGH SCHOOL VERSION OF ‘CHICAGO’
“Chicago,” a musical set in the 1920s, is a satire on corruption in the criminal justice system and the concept of the celebrity criminal. As one of the longest running Broadway musicals, it includes upbeat vocal numbers and Fosse-inspired dances.
Director Cayla Kolbusz said the high school version has removed some of the edgier songs and adult language, but is otherwise the same story.
“I appreciate that the revisions do not take away from the message that ‘Chicago’ is trying to relay to its audience,” she said. “I have had a lot of fun figuring out how to showcase numbers and characters differently while still honoring the heart of the show.”
Kolbusz said the musical is filled with show-stopping numbers.
“As a director, this makes me feel like we have to one-up ourselves with each song or dance,” she said. “We have been racing the clock to feel ready for opening night, but I am confident that we will be ready.”
Kolbusz said she is proud of her students in their first musical since the pandemic struck, and is pleased with how the seasoned upperclassmen are working with the new underclassmen in what is a strong ensemble show.
“Audiences will be wowed by our student talent,” she said. “You will experience powerhouse vocals and beautiful choreography. ‘Chicago’ is a show that demands confidence, and my students have met that challenge above and beyond.”
The cast includes five seniors in lead roles: Alina Hazime as Velma Kelly, Lynsey Zundel as Roxie Hart, Mahdi Osseili as Billy Flynn, Khalia Mims as Matron Mama Morton, and Harry Krafchak as Amos Hart.
The merry murderesses are: Aleena Farhat as Liz, Kelsey Genga as Annie and the female lead understudy, Maliyah Robinson as June, Batoul Mansour as Hunyak, Maisa Jurdi as Mona, and Fay Bazzi as Kitty.
Also in the cast are Nicole Balaie as Mary Sunshine, Ali Nachar as the master of ceremonies and the clerk, and Carl Littlejohn as Fred Casely.
Kurtis Wilson plays Fogarty and a reporter, and is the male lead understudy; Mohammed Manasir plays Harry and juror one; Adam Nasser is Harrison; and Ali Fawaz plays the judge.
The ensemble includes: Adam Baitamouni, Aleena Bazzi, Lara El-Hajj, Megan Zundel, Damien Deluca, Faith Fendt and Mohamad Mohammad.
As Roxie Hart, Lynsey Zundel said it has been fun developing a character with a strong attitude who is determined to reach her goals.
“Roxie Hart, who murders her lover, realizes that death row is just one big act, and with the help of her lawyer, Billy Flynn, she can fulfill her dream of becoming a performer from the case’s publicity,” she said. “On her way to the top, Roxie meets former vaudevillian and fellow murderer Velma Kelly, who is also competing for the spotlight.”
Zundel said the show takes the audience through trials, rivalry and a “perilous flight for the American dream.”
“‘Chicago’ covers a few rough topics, but has a great sense of humor and showiness to make it easier to swallow,” she said. “When something serious and unsettling happens, the actors break into a flashy dance number, and the audience can laugh and enjoy themselves.”
Hazime said she has had fun, as Velma, playing off her fellow cast members.
“Show-stopper after show-stopper, big dances, bold costumes, brassy music and a plot about powerful women who murder their partners and tell you why. What’s not to like?”
Mims said playing the role of “Mama” Morton is very empowering, and she hopes audiences enjoys the vibe of the show.
“‘Chicago’ is a great, dazzling escape from the seriousness of the real world, and it’s a great way to forget about our modern worries,” she said.
Osseili said Billy Flynn is also a strong character, cocky and prosperous with a dark undertone.
He said the show puts excitement and drama into its unique dances and unrestrained joy into its vocals.
“The edgy humor of the show provides a great escape from the world,” he said. “It tells a dark story with a twisted sort of humor.”
Krafchak said the entire cast is talented, and has contributed to an amazing show.
“The drama and intrigue completely involve you to the point where you forget about everything else,” he said. “You can’t look away, and that’s the best escape anyone can ask for.”
“Chicago” runs 7 p.m. April 22, 23, 29 and 30 at the high school, 1501 N. Beech Daly Road in Dearborn Heights.
VIP tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students, with general admission $13 for adults and $11 for students.
To order tickets online, go to onthestage.tickets/show/crestwood-high-theatre/chicago-high-school-edition-23664.
BAREFOOT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS ‘MOON OVER BUFFALO’
Barefoot Productions present the Ken Ludwig comedy “Moon Over Buffalo” April 22 to May 1, with Phil Booth (left) of Dearborn as George and Valerie Haas of Inkster as Charlotte. For more information, go to justgobarefoot.com.
Set in 1953, the Ken Ludwig comedy “Moon Over Buffalo” finds a small regional theater company on the verge of dissolving because the leading man is dallying with the young ingenue right under his actress wife’s nose, but when they learn that Frank Capra may be in town to see their matinee, rumors abound that the famous director may cast some of the company members in the planned movie version of the show.
Directed by Kirk Haas of Inkster, the cast includes: Larry Barker of Detroit as Paul, Phil Booth of Dearborn as George, Valerie Haas of Inkster as Charlotte, Linda Hagopian of Livonia as Ethel, Samantha Odom of Novi as Eileen, Jason Robbins of Dearborn Heights as Howard, Patricia “P.J.” Sallans of Whitmore Lake as Rosalind, and Paul Vandevert of Dearborn as Richard.
Cole Haas of Inkster and Maggie Comiskey of Livonia play the stage hands.
Kirk Haas said he has wanted to do the show again since he directed it in 1999 at the Players Guild of Dearborn.
“It has been fun watching Phil, Valerie and P.J. rehearse,” he said. “Their comic timing and physical humor are side-splitters every rehearsal.”
Haas said that this is the last show he will do before retiring from theater.
“I have spent 44 years since graduating from the University of Michigan, and have enjoyed every show I did,” he said. “I directed this show in 1999 with Lindel Salow and Nancy Wolter at the Players Guild, and the first time I read this play, I was laughing so hard I was crying.”
Booth agreed, and said it is a classic comedy.
“It never gets old, and you are guaranteed laughs,” he said.
He said his character, George, is a fun-loving, irresponsible creature of habit.
“His ‘Bob Hope’ style of despair, anger and schadenfreude is delightful to do,” he said.
Sallans, who plays Rosalind, said the show is a ridiculous, laugh-a-minute farce.
“This play has slamming doors, mistaken identities, various state of undress – I mean, it’s got everything,” she said. “Comedy, to me, is the ultimate form of entertainment.”
Hagopian said the show is a throwback to a “Three Stooges” type of comedy.
“My character, Ethel, is a feisty gal who doesn’t pull punches when expressing her opinions,” she said. “She has pushed my envelope in terms of letting it all hang out – normally I am a very reserved person.”
Barker said is it fun to see how his character, Paul, loses his cool.
“While he starts out as this guy who has his head on straight, he quickly loses it when he’s put in the middle of this family drama,” he said. “He’s fast-paced and goes all over the place.”
Barker said working on the show with Barefoot Productions has reignited his passion for theatre.
“This is a great show and the perfect farce of a love letter to the classic stage and cinema,” he said.
“Moon Over Buffalo” runs 8 p.m. April 22, 23, 29 and 30, and 2 p.m. April 24 and May 1 at the theater, 33735 Five Mile Road in Livonia.
Tickets are $19, with a $2 discount for seniors 65 and older, and for students 18 and younger.
To order tickets online, go to justgobarefoot.com/tickets.html.