Reviews: Chicago: Teen Edition at Potomac Falls High School
Written by Winnie Emerick of Langley High School
In a city where everyone wants their name in lights, the stage is the ultimate battleground, and with strong vocals, exciting technical choices, and cohesive storytelling, Potomac Falls' production of Chicago: Teen Edition delivered a performance full of razzle dazzle.
Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse with music by John Kander, Chicago is based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and was first adapted for Broadway in 1975, before its legendary 1996 revival became one of the longest running shows in Broadway history. Set in the jazz age of 1920s Chicago, the musical follows Roxie Hart who murders her lover and manipulates the criminal justice system to escape punishment and amass fame, guided by Velma Kelly and the slick lawyer Billy Flynn. At its heart, Chicago is a sharp and satirical look at fame, corruption, and the seductive power of showbiz.
Leading this production was Jordyn Medina as Roxie Hart, whose strong vocals and expressive features beautifully captured the character's dramatic flair and insatiable hunger for the spotlight. What set Medina apart, however, was a remarkable physical presence that extended far beyond the choreography itself; even in stillness, she moved with a grace that made her impossible to look away from. The perfect counterpart to this performance was Luke Hable as Billy Flynn, whose piercing voice and commanding stage presence embodied the character's extreme charisma with ease. Particularly in scenes alongside Amos, Hable layered a quiet, threatening undertone beneath the charm, capturing the cold manipulation that defines Flynn at his core. Rounding out this central trio was Harmony Scott as Velma Kelly, a performer of considerable style and intention whose greatest achievement was the delicate balance she struck between Velma's outward confidence and the desperation and insecurity simmering just beneath the surface.
A true triumph of this production was the way its technical elements worked in service of the story. The lighting crew made exceptional use of LED fixtures integrated into the set itself, shifting color on beat with the music in a way that was both an impressive design choice and a heartbeat for the show. Particularly striking were the deep reds that washed over the stage during "Cell Block Tango," amplifying the number's danger and fury, and the soft blues and pinks that bathed the scene during "My Baby and Me," which seemed to allude to a gender reveal. Equally impressive was the work of the student choreographers, who demonstrated a clear and studied understanding of Fosse style, crafting movement that was precise and intentional in every detail. The choreography used that signature isolation and control to build atmosphere and deepen the world of the show with every number.
Potomac Falls' production of Chicago: Teen Edition was a bold and entertaining venture into one of Broadway's most iconic worlds, bringing vocal talent, sharp technical craft, and a cohesive vision to the stage. In a city where everyone is fighting for their moment in the spotlight, this cast and crew made sure theirs was well worth remembering.
Written by Jennie Kate Hannis of Woodgrove High School
Potomac Falls High School's rendition of Chicago: Teen Edition was certainly "All That Jazz" and more! Lively cast performances and engaging choreography are only some of the highlights of the production's exploration of just how far some will go to achieve fame.
Chicago, the musical by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse with music by John Kander, debuted on Broadway in 1975. The musical is based on the play of the same name written by Maurine Dallas Watkins, which is roughly based on the highly publicized 1924 murder trials of Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner. Set in the booming, showbiz world of 1920s Chicago, the musical begins with the murder of Fred Casely by Roxie Hart, upset that Casely wanted to end their affair. Roxie's doting husband, Amos, turns her in to the police, tired of her lies. In jail, Hart is introduced to famed vaudeville star Velma Kelly and Matron "Mama" Morton, and employs the help of renowned lawyer Billy Flynn in order to win her trial and rise above her current life as a "dumb mechanic's wife" to fulfill her vaudeville dreams.
Playing the role of lawyer Billy Flynn, Luke Hable is a force to be reckoned with on stage. From his direct, clear delivery of lines to his energetic body language, he perfectly portrays the quick-witted and charismatic attributes of Flynn. In "We Both Reached For the Gun", his commanding vocals take center stage, effectively depicting Flynn as the smooth-talking lawyer who is not afraid to twist the narrative or control the media to make sure the trial goes his way. Hable also demonstrated his comfort with the character in a brief improvised movement with Roxie (Jordyn Medina) in the second act.
Jordyn Medina energetically depicted the aspiring star Roxie through her clean dance movements in songs such as "Roxie" and "Me and My Baby." At the end of the first act, Medina plays into the drama and desperation of Roxie as she announces her pregnancy to the news reporters, showing the depths Roxie is willing to go in order to come out on top. Though at times the acting and dancing felt lacking in energy, the ensemble cast were a musical and comedic delight in "Cell Block Tango," conveying the humorous backstories of the Merry Murderesses.
In a musical about an aspiring vaudeville star turned murderer, choreography plays a central role. Student choreographers Jordyn Medina and Shepherd Moe added life and intrigue to numbers "Cell Block Tango" and "We Both Reached For the Gun" with 1920s cabaret-inspired moves. The solo tap dance in Act I - choreographed, danced, and improvised by Moe - added another layer of dance that immersed the crowd into the on-stage world of Chicago.
The lighting, headed by Liana Aquino Baez, played a huge role in the setting and mood of the musical. The sultry reds and purples featured in numbers like "All That Jazz" and "When Velma Takes the Stand" rounded out the jazz mood of the whole musical. The contrasting pink and blue lights was another cute addition to Roxie's vocals during "Me and My Baby," representing the innocent, maternal personality Roxie meant to portray to the press. These small changes in lighting helped set the tone for the scenes and musical numbers that followed.
The cast and crew of Chicago: Teen Edition at Potomac Falls High School truly did "Razzle Dazzle" the audience with impressive acting and mesmerizing tech features.