Written by Bob Fosse, with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and based on real-life murders and trials, Chicago follows Roxie Hart, a wannabe vaudevillian star of the 1920s who murders her lover and is arrested, despite her attempts to convince her pushover husband, Amos, to lie for her. In prison, Roxie learns from fellow murderess Velma Kelly that her criminal actions could be the key to winning over the masses, and when larger-than-life lawyer Billy Flynn flips the script and helps catapult her to stardom, she begins to live the life of fame she always dreamed she could. Audiences, however, will see the truth behind her glamorous trial — that the corrupt nature of the justice system and the frenzy of the media can make even the worst of us a star.
“There is something that feels a bit “behind the scenes” about the whole story of Chicago”, says Chicago Musical Director R.L. Rowsey. “For me, this production plays into this feel perfectly. Simple. Direct. In your face. Up close and personal. It exposes the power of the many talents of those who have come together to tell the story, from director and designers to actors and musicians.”
To feed a modern audience’s newfound craving for visceral experiences, The Liberty Theatre Company has transformed The Mint into a 1920s speakeasy and will provide an atmosphere akin to that of an Old World jazz club, complete with actors who will take your secret code at the door, serve decadent treats upon arrival, and who will outfit audiences with different masks based on their preference to interact or not interact with artists during the show. “I hope the audience will join in the fun of the Roaring 20’s world we have created,” says Roxie Hart actress Hannah Nye, “and to reflect on the darker themes of desire, anger, and greed that exist in all of us.”
To round out the full experience, ROOTS Wine Bar & Bottle Shop will be joining TLTC in bringing the world of Chicago to life, providing beer and wine in the theater before the show begins. To take part in everything this production has to offer, audiences are encouraged to arrive 30-15 minutes early to fully immerse themselves in this unique offering.
With multiple performances already sold out, McDougall Jones encourages audiences to get their tickets to this must-see production before it’s too late. “I invite you to step into our wild, hedonistic, immersive speakeasy world of Chicago and, if you like, to enjoy a 90-minute release into your exploration of abandon, revelry, and life.”
Chicago plays Oct. 4-28 at The Mint in Hailey. Evening performances at 7 p.m., matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets available at LibertyTheatreCompany.org. For questions, call (208) 582-8388.