More than 800 Hunting Hills High School students will bring Chicago to Red Deer’s Festival Hall later this month.
Performances of the show, which is based on a 1926 play, will run from March 29 to April 2 with most shows including light fare and refreshments.
Grades 9 to 12 students involved in the production include actors, dancers, production crew, and pit band musicians.
“We really wanted to do a period piece for this production and offer students a different era and style, which really plays to the strengths of our students,” said director Piper Rempel in a statement.
“It’s a heavy dance show – there’s lots of glitz and glamour, yet it is complex and has depth and grittier themes. Lots of people think that Chicago is risque, but our show isn’t risque in the usual sense. It’s risque in that we are pulling themes of media manipulation, and women struggling for power. We go to the root of the story — the desire for fame and selfishness.”
The show is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
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Choreographer Taryn Martinek said students have flourished as rehearsals have evolved.
“This crew is a lot younger than in other years, and we have some great up and coming Grade 9s, but also lots of returning cast from last year. It’s a really inspiring group of kids, and it’s been so much fun. There is mutual admiration and inspiration,” Martinek said.
She encouraged students, family and friends as well as the general community to take it in.
“I don’t think people realize the talent that our kids have and how high calibre a high school musical can be. Come celebrate young talent.”
Tickets can be purchased through the Hunting Hills Bookstore in person, online at www.rdpsd.ab.ca/huntinghills, or by calling 403-342-6655. Limited tickets are available at the door for $25.