Cappies Review: 'Chicago: Teen Edition' At Falls Church High School

By Benjamin Fredericks of Robinson Secondary School

"In this town, murder's a form of entertainment." This quote, from the character of Matron Mamma Morton, perfectly encompasses the world of Falls Church High School's "Chicago: Teen Edition," where, whether it's a homicide or a double murder, the reporters will always follow the fresh story.

Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, it follows the story of Roxie Hart, after she shoots her lover Fred. After going to jail, she and Velma Kelly, another murderess, fight for the attention of Billy Flynn, a renowned lawyer, with the hopes of both getting acquitted and becoming stars.

Falls Church's production brilliantly used costumes and make-up to capture the film noir aesthetic of Chicago. They also had dazzling lights that showcased talent from both the leads and the ensemble. Some notable performances included but are not limited to the reporters in "They Both Reached for the Gun" and the prisoners in "The Cell Block Tango."

As is any star's dream, Velma Kelly, played by Mariela Palencia, won the hearts of the audience with her captivating performance. Palencia's singing and dancing skills were fabulous throughout, with her performances in "All That Jazz" and "I Can't Do It Alone" being the most notable. Palencia's acting also made the character of Velma come to life on stage.

Jimmy Benjamin, playing Billy Flynn, managed to grab the attention of the audience with his heartfelt song "All I Care About Is Love." Benjamin was able to fill the entire theater with his consistently powerful singing voice. Benjamin's determination on stage, and stylish white suit, made the character feel full of life and unique.

Dara Kearney's outstanding performance as Roxie Hart was one to remember. Kearney showed Roxie's emotional journey from a timid nobody to a diva obsessed with the spotlight. Kearney's acting was marvelous, and her comedic facial expressions breathed a new life into the show.

Pauleen Kabiling's performance as both Liz and a member of the ensemble, was stellar. While some performers faltered near the end of the second act, Kabiling's immaculate dancing stayed consistent during both acts.

The lighting, run by Leslie Fon and Brian Gutierrez Lujan, was phenomenal throughout the entire show. Their excellent use of spotlights, along with the words Chicago and Roxie made the show spectacular. The way the Roxie lights lit up as she sang her eponymous song "Roxie" was very impactful.

The make-up crew of Alice Rojas-Perez, Miles Alexander, Natalie Mejia Ramos, and Ellis Mitchell had the incredible idea of using black lipstick and white clown makeup to create their film noir aesthetic. Although their original plan did not work as they hoped, their new plan of using a lighter layer of make-up was still able to achieve their film noir idea brilliantly.

Falls Church's production of "Chicago: Teen Edition" was a fantastical experience leaving the audience wanting more, but as Roxie Hart said, "That's showbiz, kid!"