Notes from the Director
Welcome, and thank you for joining us for Chicago: Teen Edition!
At its core, Chicago is a story about spectacle—about how easily truth can be twisted, headlines can be manipulated, and justice can become a performance. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, this musical challenges us to reflect on a theme that still resonates today: our cultural fascination with crime and the ways in which we turn real-life tragedy into entertainment.
In our production, we leaned into the striking parallel between the courtroom and a three-ring circus. Lawyers become ringmasters, defendants become performers, and the pursuit of justice becomes secondary to the pursuit of attention. This juxtaposition invites us to question where the line is between reality and performance—and whether that line has ever truly existed.
This production would not be possible without an extraordinary team of adults who bring their expertise, creativity, and dedication to every rehearsal and performance. My deepest thanks to Matt Sandifer, Lucas Hogan, Tyler Hanson, Madeline Soypher, and Ryan Edwards. Your professionalism and commitment to these students elevate this program and make experiences like this truly meaningful.
I am equally grateful for our incredible student leaders. A special thank you to our student choreographer, Isabelle Morales, whose vision and leadership helped shape the movement of this show. To our Technical Theater Leaders—Natalie Gwozdecki, Maya Hamouda, and Serafina Shinn—thank you for your countless hours behind the scenes, ensuring every moment runs smoothly. And to the many student leaders who consistently step up without hesitation—Megan Andes, Addison Angolia, Addison Irons, Josh Maller, Hex Hayden, Skyler Thompson, and Phoenix Spurrier—your willingness to lead, assist with choreography, support backstage efforts, and guide your peers in acting and music does not go unnoticed.
To our parents and families: thank you. Your support—whether through volunteering time, donating resources, or simply encouraging your students—has been invaluable. The performing arts thrive because of people like you, and we warmly invite you to continue being a part of our journey. There are always opportunities to get involved, and we would love to grow this incredible network of support.
To our students: thank you for your courage. This production asked you to take risks, to explore complex characters, and to step outside of your comfort zones. You embraced the challenge with professionalism, creativity, and heart. Watching you grow—not just as performers, but as artists willing to push boundaries—has been the most rewarding part of this process.
Finally, thank you to my family. To my husband—although you weren’t here to help with this one, you are still my biggest supporter and my biggest cheerleader. To my parents, Terry and Tracey Moore: thank you for your constant love and support. Having a daughter of my own has put your dedication into a new perspective. You never stop being a parent, and without your unwavering support for both me and Stevie, we would not have made it through this spring.
We hope you enjoy the show and leave not only entertained, but also reflecting on the world we live in—and the roles we all play within it.
Katie Moore: Director
