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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Chicago: Teen Edition Also see Gil's reviews of A Night on Broadway with Norm Lewis and Laura Benanti and Jane Anger
The plot follows ambitious chorus girl Roxie Hart, who lands herself in jail after committing a murder and realizes the recognition the scandalous act brings her could catapult her to fame. Inside Cook County Jail, she encounters vaudeville star Velma Kelly, who is already a media sensation after being convicted of murdering her sister and husband, and the two rivals compete for attention, headlines, and survival. With the help of slick lawyer Billy Flynn and the jail's matron, "Mama" Morton, both women learn how to manipulate the press and the justice system, turning crime into celebrity. The musical, which is based on the 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, was a modest hit when it originally premiered in 1975, running for just over two years, but it was eclipsed by A Chorus Line which opened the same season, while the 1996 Broadway revival is still running today. This teen edition, which has been adapted by David Thompson, makes thoughtful adjustments to content and language to suit younger performers, removing the profanity and slightly softening the show's darker edges in the book by Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb. While this inevitably sanitizes some of the bite found in the original, the heart of the musical remains intact and the plot remains a stinging satire of fame, corruption, and the public's appetite for spectacle. Nearly all of composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb's iconic songs are preserved, allowing the score's wit, cynicism, and irresistible rhythms and toe-tapping tunes to shine. Numbers like "Roxie," "All I Care About," "Razzle Dazzle," and "Cell Block Tango" still pack a punch and anchor the storytelling. However, the omission of the song "Class" and Mary Sunshine's solo reduce Mama Morton's contributions and make Mary Sunshine a very supporting part. Roxie Hart is played with a winning mix of innocence and ambition by Shea Levine, showing both the character's vulnerability and her hunger for attention. Velma Kelly is all sharp edges and seasoned confidence, and Vivienne Spamer commands the stage whenever she appears. Their rivalry has tension and humor, their singing voices soar, and their dancing abilities are superb. David Castro oozes charm and showmanship as Billy Flynn, delivering his musical moments with flair and his dialogue with bite. As Amos, Devin Baheshone emerges as the show's quiet emotional center, earning genuine sympathy through his heartfelt sincerity and tender line delivery, while Thaisa Thompson brings warmth and authority as Mama Morton, anchoring the jail scenes with confidence. Along with Spamer, Sarina Arbaugh, Reagan Little, Isabella Penza, Brooklyn Martin, and McKenzie Lopezlira are electrifying in the crowd-pleasing "Cell Block Tango," each clearly defined and committed to telling her character's story, while the remaining ensemble members, including Harper Thompson as Mary Sunshine and Taylor Nunziato-Cruz as Fred Casley, provide strong vocals, clean movement, and excellent stage presence. The direction by Christina Clodt and Joshua Hengst consistently finds the laughs in the script and keeps the pacing tight, ensuring the satire lands clearly; a few overly lengthy set changes are my only quibble. Their direction ensures the characterizations are bold without becoming caricatures. Katie Czajkowski's choreography is a loving homage to Bob Fosse, full of sharp angles, grounded stances, and precise gestures; "All That Jazz" in particular feels like a master class in syncopation and style and a love letter to Fosse. Heather Riddle's costumes enhance the mood beautifully, blending black, sensual attire with period-inspired elements that suggest the 1920s era of the piece. The set by Michael Armstrong makes good use of a second level, and Sabrina Sausedo's hair and makeup designs are superb. Ken Goodenberger's music direction delivers clear, rich vocals and warm harmonies throughout. Spotlight Youth Theatre's production of Chicago: Teen Edition is stylish, confident, and hugely entertaining, proving that this classic musical can shine brilliantly in the hands of young performers. Chicago: Teen Edition runs through February 1, 2026, at Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620 N 43rd Avenue, Glendale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.spotlightyouththeatre.org or call 602-843-8318. Directors: Christina Clodt and Joshua Hengst Cast: (in alphabetical order) |
