The Communications High School (CHS) Drama Club is known for its student-directed productions. Directed by senior Christiania DeNicola of Tinton Falls and produced by sedrinior Isabel Moller of Tinton Falls, the department took an unexpected direction by choosing “Chicago: Teen Edition” for this year’s spring musical. With the help of assistant director, junior Shawn Ribeiro of West Long Branch, and assistant producer, junior Abigail Riddle of Colts Neck, the Drama Club was able to put on a successful show that sold out the CHS cafeteria two nights in a row.
The cast razzle-dazzled the audience with their all-student production on April 4 and 5.
“All of the shows we do are incredible for being student-led, but ‘Chicago’ pushed the boundaries of what CHS is capable of,” said DeNicola.
“Chicago” is currently the longest-running show on Broadway and is about two women, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who are both on trial for murdering their husbands. While on trial, they try to gain fame and media attention with the help of their lawyer, Billy Flynn. The darkly comedic show features Fosse-style jazz dance and multiple musical numbers.
“I specifically chose a show that was dance-heavy because I know that CHS is filled with incredibly talented dancers who would want to participate,” said DeNicola.
In the past, CHS has not incorporated a lot of dance into its shows. This year’s production took many by surprise with the amount of choreography.
“I loved the idea of the show being dance-heavy,” said Charlotte Mathias, a sophomore from Long branch who took on the role of Liz (Pop) “I think this was a great way to incorporate students in our school who are dancers and don’t want to sing, while also having impressive and inspiring choreography.”
Along with the dancing in this year’s production, the casting was memorable to the audience as many underclassmen took lead roles. Sophomore Ryleigh Luethold of Manasquan played Roxie Hart and freshman Everly Coleman of Middletown played Velma Kelly. The two underclassmen earned a standing ovation for their exceptional performances.
“As an underclassman taking on a lead role, I felt a sense of intimidation because I knew it would be a very big undertaking and a lot of work. But Roxie was a dream role of mine so it was something I was definitely willing to do,” said Luethold.
Seniors Max O’Reilly of Asbury Park, Phin Whedon of Wall Township and Fiona Griffin of Middletown finished off their final year in the CHS Drama Club with a crowd pleaser.
“Happy is an understatement when it comes to my feelings towards the final show. I could not be more proud of the production, and two sold-out nights prove that the CHS drama club is not something to overlook,” said DeNicola.
In recent years, not every CHS show has completely sold out their cafeteria. “Chicago: Teen Edition” set the bar high for future productions.
“Personally, I wish that we could have more show days. I wish we had three days to perform rather than two because we did such an incredible job,” said Luethold. “I wish everyone got to see it, all my family and friends, but it sold out so not everyone was able to.”
“I think the choreography went super smoothly and everyone’s vocal performances were great, I can’t really think of anything I would’ve changed,” said Avery Velho, a sophomore from Middletown who attended the musical.
The show was well-received by the audience, and the Drama Club has shown that they can produce professional-level shows. Sophomore Avery Velho of Middletown attended the musical and watched her fellow classmates shine on stage.
“I think the choreography went super smoothly and everyone’s vocal performances were great,” said Velho. “I can’t really think of anything I would’ve changed.”
The bar is set high for next year, but with the talent that CHS has, the school is looking forward to another year of impressive showmanship.
