CHICAGO Comes to Escanaba

The musical CHICAGO will be performed at Bay College November 3 -7th. This production recently went down in Broadway history. On August 29, 2011, it became the longest running American musical in Broadway history; beating out A Chorus Line. August 27th was supposed to be the landmark date, but hurricane Irene closed down The Great White Way for two days.

Not only is CHICAGO playing in New York City, but it is still on tour across the United States. Because of this Bay College was lucky to get the rights to put it on. “Ninety percent of the royalty applications for CHICAGO are rejected by Samuel French, Inc.,” says Crystal Dwyer, Bay College Theatre Director, “I was so excited when our request was approved.” Dwyer went on to say that the new Besse Center Theatre is the perfect venue for this type of musical.

Although the storyline is basically the same, CHICAGO the musical is different from the Academy-Award winning film. More songs are in the stage version and the concept of the show is simplistic, stark, and stylistic. It is also reminiscent of vaudeville. Musical Director Tom Knoll and Technical Director Ed Dwyer are keeping their vision and designs true to the Broadway styles.

To audition for the musical, you must be a student at Bay College. Tryouts are scheduled in the theatre on Tuesday, September 6th at 7 pm and again on Wednesday, September 7th at 4 pm. Rehearsals begin September 11th and normally are Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Tickets for the show will go on sale September 14th. The past few musicals at Bay College have sold out so Dwyer encourages people to get their tickets early. “Also, we have added two more performances to our schedule,” says Dwyer, “including a Sunday matinee as well as a Monday night show.”

For more information, go to the college website at www.baycollege.edu and click on Auditions for Chicago. Or you can call Dwyer at 217-4028.