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By Talia Ho | Correspondent
Fame. Fortune. And all that jazz.
This spring, Winchester High School presents “Chicago: Teen Edition,” a bold musical that explores celebrity culture, media manipulation, and the cost of ambition. Set in the 1920s, this iconic production is sure to leave the audience wanting more.
Performances will take place on March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., and March 15 at 2 p.m. The show runs approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including one intermission.
Supervised by creative director Valentina Cella, the production brings the Broadway story to life in an edition specifically adapted for younger audiences.
“‘Chicago’ is a classic!” said Cella. “This adapted version allows us to perform the show while maintaining its iconic charm, sharp humor, and show-stopping numbers.”
Cella oversees every aspect of the production, while Joel Buford serves as vocal director and Nick Costello directs the orchestra. Nate Morrissey and Cole Rabe, two WHS alumni, supported Cella with the technical aspects of the production.
Students play a role in nearly every facet of the show, from running backstage during performances to assisting with props, costumes, set, lighting, sound, and rehearsal logistics.
Rehearsals take place every afternoon, requiring dedication and consistency from its 28 cast members.
This year’s production places particular emphasis on dance, with choreography designed by WHS alum Aliza Franz, now a professional dancer based in Boston. Because of the show’s dance-heavy nature, casting decisions required evaluation of each student’s dancing abilities alongside vocal and performance skills.
Cella’s creative vision centers on the “show with a show” concept, immersing the audience in the world of 1920s vaudeville. Rather than relying on elaborate scenery, the production will feature a minimalist set with dramatic lighting and intentional choreography. The curtain will only close at intermission to reinforce the feeling of one continuous performance.
“Movement and choreography drive much of the storytelling,” explained Cella. “Precision, sharpness, and confidence in performance style will be essential.”
Senior Priscilla Meyer, who plays lead character Roxie Hart, looks forward to balancing Roxie’s charisma with her moral ambiguity.
“Roxie is powerful but not the most noble character,” Meyer said. “I’m excited to make her fun and lovable amidst her moral darkness.”
Meyer began her theater journey as a small Who in “Seussical.” Since then, she’s found musical theater to be “a place where I can combine my passions.” She also emphasizes the importance of staying physically and mentally healthy during the demanding rehearsal process.
Junior Viviana Cella plays Velma Kelly, one of the show’s central characters. She is particularly excited to perform iconic numbers like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango.”
“Velma is strong, confident, and complex,” she said. “The dancing is intense and stylized, which makes the role both challenging and exciting.”
Cella has been involved in both school productions and outside programs, including jazz and contemporary dance classes.
Another important aspect of performing is understanding the character’s emotional layers.
“I think a lot about Velma’s motivations, especially the difference between how she presents herself versus what she might actually be feeling,” said Cella.
Freshman Max Bondarenko takes on the role of Billy Flynn, the charismatic defense attorney who turns murder trials into media spectacles. Bondarenko has performed in musical theater since he was in first grade at the Winchester Cooperative Theater.
He is excited to play a leading role in his first year of high school theater and looks forward to exploring Flynn’s layered personality.
“He [Flynn] is caring at some points but arrogant at others, which gives some fun variety,” said Bondarenko.
To prepare, he rehearses his lines nightly, practices with family and cast members, and listens repeatedly to the music to build familiarity.
Junior Jackson Slubowski, playing Amos Hart, is eager to portray a more emotional role.
“I’m trying to invoke sympathy from the audience,” he said.
Slubowski has been involved in musical theater, particularly in more comedic roles, since eighth grade. So portraying Amos’ strong emotions will be a welcome challenge for Slubowski.
Sophomore Josie McCabe plays Mary Sunshine, a kind yet comedic reporter. Her memorizing trick is to record voice memos of the other lines in a scene, then playing the recordings over until the scene is memorized.
Matron “Mama” Morton,” played by Junior Sophia Barbosa, is another energy-filled character. Barbosa says she focuses on Morton’s “sass, power, and strong stage presence,” to do the iconic character justice.
Beyond the spotlight, the months of daily rehearsals have created a strong sense of community among the cast. From long afternoons in the auditorium perfecting choreography together, students consistently pointed to the friendships and camaraderie as one of the most meaningful parts of the process.
“I’m most looking forward to the time and effort that we will all put into the creation of this amazing show,” Bondarenko said,” as well as the great memories that we make along the way with this cast.”
Don’t miss the chance to see the sharp satire, high-energy dance numbers, and celebration of school spirit on March 13, 14 and 15.
Tickets can be purchased at the door of the WHS auditorium for $20, general admission, or $10 for students. Cash only.
