Chicago came to Peterborough for two weeks in early November this year, and some would have had it stay a far time longer.
Staged at the Showplace Performance Centre downtown, and presented by the St. James Players, Chicago the musical showed off the best that Peterborough has to offer in the area of performing arts. With Brian MacDonald as director, choreographed by Rachel Bemrose with musical directors Justin Hiscox and Pamela Birrell, Chicago brought together a diverse cast who brought every moment, every song and gesture to life, much to the pleasure of the audience.
The musical chronicles the stories of Roxie Hart (played by Marsala Lukianchuk) and Velma Kelly (Jennifer Moher); two women who are in jail after the murder of their partners. The play highlights the conflict between both women upon meeting each other behind prison walls as well as their pursuit of freedom through the help of renowned lawyer Billy Flynn (Geoff Bemrose).
The musical features several Trent students, both current and alumni. Arthur caught up with alumni Jennifer Moher who plays one of the leads and Ju Hyeong Park (a cast member who currently attends Trent) and this is what they had to say:
Arthur:Is acting something you see yourself pursuing as a long-term profession?
Jennifer Moher: I am a business owner and a mother of two, so acting is not exactly in my future. I would, however love to do keep doing local shows when I can find the time!
Ju Hyeong Park: I don't exactly see myself acting in the long run, but I definitely see the importance of gaining experience like this for me, especially when I enjoy every minute of it.
A: How did you get involved with acting/singing? How many plays/musicals have you been in? Could you name a few?
JM: I got involved three years ago while waiting for a friend to audition for a Trent musical. I decided (very last minute) to audition. I ended up getting a fantastic part and became addicted to it! The following year I was able to be part of The Pajama Game at Trent. Chicago is my third show, and what a great third show it was!
JHP: My first musical was The Pajama Game with the Anne Shirley Theatre Company (ASTC) in my first year at Trent. I was in that show with none other than the amazing Jen Moher. I was also in The Wedding Singer last year.
A: What play/musical do you want to be in most?
JM: Actors always have their dream roles, and Velma Kelly was mine. One thing I admire about Velma is her stamina and her determination to get what she wants. This is something of me that I was able to pour into the role.
JHP: I already was in the musical I wanted the most: Chicago!
A: What was it about Chicago that drew you in? Is there anything about the story that you connect to in particular?
JHP: Chicago is my favourite musical, because of its style. The dancing is incredible and I think the dark humour and parodies it makes on society make the show very relatable.
A: How long as the cast been working on the musical? How often and how long did it take to rehearse lines, songs and choreography?
JM: Dancers have been working on the show since the June. The cast officially all started working together in September. It was about 8 weeks of rehearsals. We had certain days dedicated to certain aspects of the show, Monday was character development, Wednesday was dance, Friday was scene work and Sunday was vocals. Speaking for myself, being a non-dancer, the choreography was very challenging, and very demanding. It certainly allowed us to get into great shape!
A: How is the camaraderie amongst the actors?
JM: The camaraderie is incredible. It's amazing how close you can get to a cast within 8 weeks. We have all become a family, so supportive and enthusiastic toward one another. I feel so blessed to have working with this cast.
JHP: If I could comment on the camaraderie among the cast, I think Chicago really truly lucked out on a great cast. Everybody supported each other and used each other on stage for the pure purpose to put on a great show. It was such a selfless, supportive, and talent-packed environment.
A: What would you say is the biggest struggle that the team experienced in putting on the show during this whole process?
JM: There really wasn't all that much of a struggle, everything seemed to click and just work! I would say the most challenging aspect of it all was the choreography, but Rachel Bemrose is a genius and so patient, so energetic, so supportive, she was such a huge part of this show being the great show it became!
JHP: The biggest struggle for me was the intense rehearsal schedule that consisted of every other day, if not every day, close to opening night. But when you have such a fun cast like Chicago, you end up not minding spending entire days on stage.
A: How do you manage rehearsals with your academic obligations?
JHP: I tried my best not to let the show affect my academic obligations as much as possible. I prepared myself for the show from September by getting everything done in school and doing a little extra to put myself ahead in my courses. I succeeded in some of my courses, but in others I could not manage putting myself ahead in time that when show dates finally rolled around I could not help but get behind. I think planning and sticking to the plan was how I managed to get through the show with my academics.
