Champaign Central High School's production of "Chicago" was selected as one of five main stage shows at the International Thespian Festival. | File image
Champaign Central High School's production of "Chicago" was selected as one of five main stage shows at the International Thespian Festival. | File image
Champaign Central High School's production of "Chicago" was selected as one of five main stage shows at the International Thespian Festival that took place in June.
The musical is centered on the character of Roxie Hart, who is aiming to be a vaudeville performer. She is placed in jail after murdering her boyfriend. The setting is the titular city in the 1920s, according to the school’s announcement this was a time when the press was focused on scandals and related matters.
The show on Broadway was awarded with six Tony awards when it was revived in 1996 and has been awarded other prizes as well. The film adaptation of the same name was also awarded an Oscar. The show has also been performed internationally.
For the International Thespian Festival, the cast and crew traveled to the University of Nebraska, along with the set pieces, costumes and instruments used by the pit orchestra. This was the first time a school has been selected from the state since 2004.
The festival’s website lists 11 productions that were initially invited to perform on the main stage representing seven states.
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