Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre Brings “Chicago” to Firehouse Arts Center

The  in Pleasanton will host the Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre musical production of Chicago over three late-summer weekends — Aug. 20 through Sept. 4.   

The show, set in Prohibition-era Chicago, when criminals were elevated to celebrity status, is about women, money and murder. 

It tells the story of Velma Kelly, a vaudevillian and murderess who is on trial for killing her cheating husband and sister. She is represented by Billy Flynn and competes with Roxie Hart (a would-be vaudevillian and murderess herself) for his attention.

“All That Jazz” and “Razzle Dazzle” are two well-known musical numbers from the production.  

Chicago is directed and choreographed by former Broadway actor Lois Grandi in the “true Bob Fosse style” of the original 1975 production, which is reflected in the choreography, cast, costumes and set, according to a Firehouse press release. Musical director is Pat Parr.  

Principal roles are portrayed by Joy Sherratt (Roxie), Nicole Frydman (Velma), David Judson (Billy), Sebastian Romeo (Amos ), Robert Coverdell (Mary Sunshine) and Karol Strempke (Mama Morton). The ensemble includes Carmen Hanson, Jenna Harris, Melissa Heinrich, Maria Mikheyenko, Rachel Wagner, Catherine Williamson, Mike Markovich, Scott Maraj, Derek Leo Miller, Jerry Navarro and Jason Phillips.

“Joy Sherratt is our wonderful Roxie,“ says Grandi. “When I was the artistic director of Playhouse West, she played Polly in our production of The Boy Friend, which received rave reviews, played to sold-out houses and received four Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards.” 

The 8 p.m. performances will be Aug. 20, 25, Sept. 1 and 3;  9 p.m. performances will be Aug. 26 and Sept. 2. 

A Sunday performance will take place Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Matinee performances will be Aug. 28 and Sept. 4 at 2 p.m. 

Tickets $18, $29, $33; senior and child: $17, $24, $29.  Student group discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased here up to three hours before the performance, by phone at 925-931-4848 or in person at the Firehouse Arts Center Box Office. 

Box office hours are Wednesday-Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and for two hours prior to the performance. 

The entrance to free parking is on Spring Street near First Street.