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MAINSTAGE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTSCHICAGO |
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Show Length: Approximately 1 Hour and 50 minutes including intermission |
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CONTENT WARNING: Some mild crude language or profanity. Some adult themes or innuendo. Some staged intoxication. Use of special effects, including flashing lights, gunshots or false weapons on stage.
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CHICAGO: TEEN EDITION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
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Artistic Director's Note
Message from the Artistic Director
Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery—all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts.”
Chicago remains as relevant today — our characters learn the consequences of a cutthroat world and everyone vying for their fifteen minutes of fame. In essence, everything in life—especially journalism, publicity and the criminal justice system—are all a spectacle. Through Roxie and Velma, Through Roxie and Velma, we see the cost of celebrity and the unsettling reality that, with the right lawyer, sufficient money, the perfect outfit, and a modicum of acting skill, almost anyone can secure acquittal in today’s society
At Mainstage, our mission is to foster community, cultivate a sense of belonging, and provide a creative, nurturing, and joyful experience. We aim to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. Whatever career paths our participants choose, we are confident they will carry with them the invaluable gifts of an arts education: confidence, collaboration, integrity, respect, creativity, personal growth, focus, the ability to embrace constructive feedback, and accountability.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Steve, Athena, Jonah, and Murphy for their incredible dedication and hard work in bringing this production to life. To our cast, thank you for the tireless energy and enthusiasm you bring to every rehearsal and performance. Your commitment, maturity, and integrity have truly elevated this show, and you should be incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished. To our parents, we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support in making these opportunities possible for your children.
And finally, thank you, our audience for coming out and supporting youth theatre—these are the leaders of tomorrow on stage with you today!
Happy Holidays! Wishing you joy and light throughout 2025!
Andrew Tribe
Artistic Director
Mainstage Theatre Company
Director's Note
Message from the Director
The story of Chicago, set in the glitzy, ruthless world of the 1920s, centers around the idea of fame, corruption, and the spectacle of justice. At its heart, the show explores the media's power to create and destroy celebrities, using scandal and manipulation as tools to shape public opinion. This theme, though set nearly a century ago, feels incredibly relevant today.
In the roaring '20s, the press had a stranglehold on public perception, much like social media does today. In Chicago, the media is not just a background presence—it is a character in its own right, shaping every twist and turn of the story. The sensationalized coverage of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly’s crimes allows these women to fight for a place in the media spotlight, no matter the cost. Their stories are spun and exaggerated to the point where the truth is often irrelevant—what matters is the image they project. Through the manipulation of the press, they are able to craft their own narratives, turning public sympathy and controversy into power and fame. This careful choreography of public perception speaks to a broader truth about how the media shapes how we see ourselves and others.
As I worked with this incredible group of young artists, I was inspired by their ability to understand and connect with the themes of the show, even though the world of 1920s Chicago might seem so distant. They embraced the dark humor and razor-sharp satire, and brought their own passion and energy to the production, making it feel fresh and urgent. It has been an absolute privilege to see their creativity shine through, whether they were playing larger-than-life characters or diving into the themes of the show.
This production has been a collaboration that demonstrates how timeless stories can speak powerfully to today’s generation. Many thanks to all the people who make this possible, including the Mainstage Board, Andrew Tribe, the design and technical teams, our amazing Musical Director Athena So, and the volunteers who selflessly give their time to this incredible organization. Special thanks to Murphy Diggon who is exceptional at everything she does!
I am immensely proud of what our team has created together, and I hope you enjoy this thrilling journey through Chicago as much as I’ve enjoyed guiding these talented young performers along the way.
Steve Cota
Director
Cast
Creative Team
Andrew Tribe
Steve Cota
Athena So
Jonah Nung
Murphy Diggon
Paulina Tapia
Mathilda Kane
Tanya Pineda
Bryan Steele
Sabrina Pye
Genesis Jade
Iyahnah Daniels
Cast Recognitions
Our Next Show! Auditions Open!
Mainstage Theatre is pleased to announce our spring production! 
GO GO JOE! A favorite among Toronto theatergoers, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has captivated audiences since its debut at the Elgin Theatre with Donny Osmond in the 1990s. It recently graced the stage of the Princess of Wales Theatre in December 2023. This thrilling musical masterpiece by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is not to be missed!
“Sha la la, Joseph, you’re doing fine! You and your dreamcoat, ahead of your time!”
As the first collaboration between Rice and Lloyd Webber, this multi-award-winning show has been performed in over 80 countries and is recognized as one of the world’s most beloved family musicals. Full of catchy songs in a variety of styles—from a parody of French ballads (“Those Canaan Days”) to country-western (“One More Angel in Heaven”) and calypso (“Benjamin Calypso”)—the musical features unforgettable classics like “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.”
Mainstage is thrilled to bring its unique and creative interpretation of this classic musical to Toronto audiences this spring! With a large ensemble offering numerous opportunities for young performers ages 11 to 21, our production promises engaging solos, a cast of exciting eclectic characters, and vibrant company and dance numbers that place the ensemble at the heart of the show!
Save The Date!
Meet the Company
Amelia Larsson Florack
MTC: Chicago
Other: The Addams Family ( Randolph ), Annie (ACTE), Way Side School (ACTE)
Ect: Amelia is beyond grateful for all the people she has met and got to know during the process of this show, and is so excited to be playing June!…5,6,7,8!
Ashley Pang
MTC : Chicago
Other : Seussical, The Addams Family, Snow Angel (Stagecoach Oakville)
Etc.: Ashley is thrilled to be a part of Mainstage Theatre Company’s production of Chicago! She is currently in her final year at Randolph College for the Performing Arts. When she isn’t spending her days in the studio room, Ashley loves cooking, taking drop in dance classes, taking long walks around the city and hosting dinner parties.
Aurora Oda Gillard
MTC: A Chorus Line
Other: Frozen (NMC)
Etc.:Aurora is thrilled to be in this performance of Chicago, one of her absolute favs. When they aren’t at Mainstage, she’s enjoying all things music, including performing with the Doane Music ukulele group. She loves playing badminton, going to the theatre, and spending time with her family and friends. And come summertime, you’ll find her on a lake, in a sailboat, obtaining her next skill level.
Brisa Valentina Beatriz Pedrozo Gavilan
MTC: Chicago (Debut)
Other: A Grimm 's Tales (CCAA), Animal Farm (CCAA).
Etc.: Brisa plays Matron Mama Morton in Chicago, she is in awe and has no words to describe how it feels to be part of this amazing production, given that this is her debut at Mainstage. In her free time Brisa loves to help others, be with her friends, and her family. Listen to Epic: The Musical, drink a good chocolate milk. And above all that she loves spending time with Jesus and God. Finally, her motto as she goes through life is "Be kind, see the good in people, have fun and love Jesus with all your heart".
Charlotte Caragata
MTC: Grease, A Chorus Line, and Chicago
Other: Alice (Alice in Wonderland) Sound of Music and Anne of Green Gables.
Etc.: Charlotte is so excited to be performing in her third Mainstage production! Former MTC credits include Judy in A Chorus Line and Ensemble/Vince Fontaine in Grease. She currently attends ESA, in grade ten. She wants to dedicate this performance to her amazing and supportive friends and family, her pets, and to her beloved late cat Grover.
Chelsea Webster
MTC: Mainstage debut.
Other: Footloose (Hillcrest Village Community Players), The Sound of Music (HVCP), School of Rock (Bloor West Theatre), High School Musical (Stagecoach Theatre).
Etc: Chelsea is excited to have her first performance with Mainstage theatre! She currently attends Etobicoke School of the Arts and majors in Music Theatre. She would like to thank her parents for the never ending support, as well as Tamara and Saira for all the carpooling!
Elizabeth Dowden
MTC: Debut!
Other: Rock of ages, Moulin Rouge, the dance performance, Barbie, the dance performance, Mamma Mia, The greatest showman
Etc.: I am excited for my first main stage show! I spend most of my time at school practising for choirs or I am at rehearsal. Some of my favourite activities are to hang out with my friends or go walking with my family. It’s such a pleasure to be preforming this for you today!
Eloise Federer
MTC: Matilda, Music Man, Urinetown, SpongeBob the Musical, Legally Blonde, Freaky Friday, Cinderella, Grease, A Chorus Line, 24HR x1 OTHER: Grimms Tales, Animal Farm (CCAA)
ETC: Eloise is so excited about being in her 10th full Mainstage show! When not in rehearsals, Eloise attends Cardinal Carter Academy of the Arts for Drama. Special thanks to Ros!!
Gwyneth Davies
MTC: Matilda, The Music Man, Urinetown, SpongeBob The Musical, Legally Blonde, Freaky Friday (Kitty), Cinderella, Grease (Marty), A Chorus Line (Kristine)
OTHER: The Nutcracker (NBC) The Lion King, Matilda (NMC), Tiny Beautiful Things, Ghostlight (Stagedoor Manor)
Etc.: Gwyneth is a Grade 11 Etobicoke School of Arts Drama student.
Ivy deRuiter
MTC: Grease (2023)
Other: The Nutcracker Sweet (Danforth Dance Arts)
Etc: Ivy is thrilled to be performing in her second MainStage production. She loves to dance, sing and act and dreams of a future career on the stage and the screen. She would love to thank the entire production team and her cast-mates for making rehearsals so much fun!
Joanna Danev
MTC: Cinderella, Grease, ACL, Chicago Other: Animal Farm (CCAA), Annie (St.George),
ETC: Joanna is thrilled to be playing the role of Billy Flynn in her 4th Mainstage show! When not rehearsing, Joanna attends Cardinal Carter Academy of the Arts as a drama major. She loves to watch movies, read, and religiously listen to Frank Sinatra.
Juliet Weingarten
MTC: Debut!
Etc.: Juliet is so excited to make her MainStage debut in Chicago Teen Edition. She can't wait to "KILL" her performance as June. She is so thankful to be collaborating with this particular cast, who have all been so supportive. Special shout outs to the creative team. Hope you enjoy the show.
Kaitlyn Hales
MTC: Debut!
Other: Once on this Island, Matilda, Frozen, Heathers, Shrek, Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, School of Rock (Innovative Arts). Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Lion King (Liberty Junction Theater).
Kaitlyn also enjoys dancing and hanging out with friends! Enjoy the show!!
Lily Westsmith
MTC: A Chorus Line, Chicago
Other: Footloose (HCVP), The Sound of Music (HCVP), Jack and the Beanstalk the Panto (Drayton Entertainment)
ETC: Lily is so happy to be back for her second Mainstage show in this dream role! She attends Etobicoke School of the Arts, and has been singing and dancing since she was tiny. Lily would like to thank her parents for always supporting her musical theatre dreams!
Maze Watson
MTC: Grease, Cinderella and A Chorus Line
OTHER: Fidelio (Canadian Opera Company)
Etc.: Maze is very excited to play the role of Fogarty in her fourth Mainstage Production. In her free time she loves hanging out with friends, Writing, baking, watching thriller movies with her mom and seeing tons of musicals!
Payten Bell
MTC: Cinderella, Grease
Etc: Payten is exited to be back at MainStage for another show as a merry murderess! She attends Rosedale heights for school, and in her free time she loves to sing and spend time with her pet rabbit.
Riley Berger
MTC: Debut!
Other: Lucky Star (Chong Productions) Musical theatre ensemble (YPT)
Etc.: Riley is excited for their first MainStage show! In their free time they play lots of sports including volleyball, baseball, and basketball and they enjoy hanging out with their friends and watching movies.
Ron Shenker
MTC: Legally Blonde, Freaky Friday, Cinderella, Grease, A Chorus Line
Other: Into The Woods (EHSS).
Etc.: Ron is very excited for her sixth Mainstage show! Ron is a drama major at Earl Haig. She enjoys being with people she loves, reading, playing guitar, and baking. Ron wants to thank her family and friends for their endless support.
Rosie Taylor
MTC: Freaky Friday, Cinderella, Grease, A Chorus Line
Other: the sound of music, lion king, Matilda little shop of horrors
Etc.: Rosie is so excited to do another MainStage show!! Her favourite musicals are: Rent, Fun Home and A Chorus Line. She attends Etobicoke School Of The Arts for Musical Theatre.
Sasha Middleton
MTC: Grease, A Chorus Line.
OTHER: Legally Blonde (Innovative Arts), Annie (Little Theatre Etobicoke)
Etc: Sasha is excited for another Mainstage show! She loves Musical Theatre and is always performing as much as she can. She is so excited to be performing one of her favourite musical numbers ever, (Cell Block Tango) in Chicago!
Sophia Kot
MTC: A Chorus Line, Grease, Legally Blonde
Other: Fidelio (COC), TSO Holiday Pops (Toronto Symphony Orchestra), The Sound of Music (Hillcrest Village Players)
Etc.: Sophia studies musical theatre at Etobicoke School of the Arts and is very passionate about performing. She's grateful to the Mainstage community for always being positive and uplifting, and she gives thanks to her family and friends for supporting her throughout the season.
Sophia Sally Qureshi Wennekers
MTC: A Chorus Line!
Other: The Sound of Music (PLAY Project), Mary Poppins (TMU PYC) , Bye-bye Birdie (PLAY Project) and CHOIR! at the Toronto Fringe Festival.
Etc.: Sophia is excited to be in her second MainStage Show! She attends Etobicoke School of the Arts for Music Theatre, Sophia has been doing theatre for seven years and singing for eight! She’s always dreamed of being in Chicago, let alone playing Velma and she is so grateful to have this opportunity. I’m her spare time Sophia likes to bake gingerbread cookies and spend time with her friends and family!
Stella Ramsay
MTC: Debut!
Other: Mean Girls - BCI Theatre
Etc: Stella is so excited to be doing her first show at Mainstage! In her spare time, she loves singing, and listening to music. Shoutout Ms. Blair for introducing me to Mainstage/Theatre in general.
Tessa Green
MTC: Debut!
Etc: This is Tessa’s first theatre experience and first show with MainStage!
Tessa is a grade 8 student at East Alternative.
In her free time she swims competitively, takes voice lessons and loves hanging out with her friends. Tessa wants to thank her family and friends for their support.
Thanh Nguyen
MTC: Debut!
Etc.: Thanh is excited for you to see the show! One of his favourite thing things to do is express himself through dance. In his free time he likes to listen to music and get crafty.
Truman Watson
MTC: Debut!
Other: Fidelio (COC)
Etc.: Truman's thrilled to be making his Main Stage Theatre debut! After being inspired by their twin Mazes' fantastic experiences he decided to try out himself and has been having an AMAZING time helping bring CHICAGO to life ever since! When not rehearsing Truman has a passion for Lego and is an avid collector of Funko pops & anything Marvel!
Andrew Tribe
Andrew is the Artistic Director at Mainstage Theatre Company after 9 years as the Artistic Director at Original Kids Theatre Company. Past credits include as Director - The Phantom of the Opera and Titanic (Grand Theatre), A Chorus Line and Grease (Mainstage Theatre Company), Ride the Cyclone (OKTC Alumni), A Christmas Story, Matilda, Bright Star and School of Rock (Original Kids Theatre Company), Cabaret (KWMP), and One Song Glory (Musical Stage Company). Upcoming: Groundhog Day - Canadian Premiere (YES Theatre). Andrew is a proud graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, University of Western Ontario, University of Toronto and Sheridan College, and has been a teaching artist with the Stratford Festival, Musical Stage Company, The Grand Theatre and Young People's Theatre. A big thank you to Steve, Athena, Jonah, and Murphy for bringing Chicago to life! Happy Holidays, everyone! IG: @andrewtribe.
Steve Cota
Stephen Cota has been performing all over Canada in the greatest theatres this country has to
offer for the last 25 years including 17 seasons at the Stratford Festival both onstage and as a
Choreographer, Associate Choreographer and Assistant Director. He is currently a part-time
faculty member at Sheridan College where he teaches a styles class for the fourth-year students
and fulltime faculty member at Randolph College for the Performing Arts.
During the pandemic, Stephen founded In The Wings, a theatre training platform where he
works with artists at all levels of their career to further their training and development. It has
been the joy of his career to work with aspiring artists, helping guide them with the knowledge
and practical skills to break into the industry.
Choreography credits include: Frankenstein Revived, Love's Labor’s Lost, Midsummer Night’s
Dream, The Mad Woman of Chaillot, Romeo and Juliet, The Hypochondriac (Stratford Festival),
Mary Poppins, Matilda (The Grand Theatre)
Athena So
Athena So (she/her) is a music director, pianist, and arts educator based in Toronto. She is well-versed in all musical theatre styles and has a strong passion for storytelling and collaboration. Athena holds a BFA in Music and a Bachelor of Education degree from York University. During her post-secondary years, she began exploring a career in musical theatre, beginning as a rehearsal pianist and pit musician, and transitioning into music direction shortly after, working on both existing works as well as workshopping new musicals around Canada and the US. Since then, Athena has played on stages such as the Shaw Festival and Second City, and has been a faculty member of Sheridan College, Randolph College, Bravo Academy, and The Second City Training Centre. Athena is currently working at the Shaw Festival as the Music Intern and has been playing and conducting its 2024 season shows such as My Fair Lady and The Secret Garden. Athena thoroughly enjoyed music directing this season at Mainstage and is incredibly honoured to be working with such passionate young artists.
Some of her highlights include: My Fair Lady, The Secret Garden, White Christmas (Shaw Festival), Take Me Back (St. Lawrence College), 18 Palace Road (Theatre Sheridan), Swipes Right (The Second City Toronto), Next to Normal (On Its Way Musical Productions).
Jonah Nung
Jonah is a Toronto-based music director and pianist who is passionate about musical theatre’s ability to foster community and creative expression. In addition to his background as a classical pianist and music educator, he is experienced in a variety of styles and genres, from large-scale works like Into the Woods to intimate rock settings like Hedwig and the Angry Inch. His collaborative approach to music direction combines artists’ unique ideas with his knowledge of musical interpretation, styles, theory, and technique. Recent credits include The Last Piece (Hart House Theatre), Grease (Mainstage Theatre Company), Ordinary Days (Shifting Ground Collective), and A Perfect Bowl of Pho (Toronto Fringe Festival, Kick & Push Festival). Outside of musical theatre, Jonah works as an accompanist, with previous collaborators including Britta Johnson and Measha Brueggergosman-Lee. sHe has also composed music for short films and theatre, including Sammi Zhang’s Long Distance (S21E33 of CBC’s Absolutely Canadian) and Mashreka Mahmood’s original musical WANT (Victoria College Drama Society).
Murphy Diggon
Murphy Diggon is thrilled to be apart of her 1qth Mainstage Show. She is a production manager and stage manager for theatre and film. Murphy holds a degree in Theatre Production and Design from York University, works as the Assistant Production Manager for the Canadian Opera Company, and Administrator for Mainstage Theatre.
Selected Theatre credits include: A Chorus Line, Cinderella, Freaky Friday, Legally Blonde, SpongeBob Squarepants, Urinetown, The Music Man, Matilda, Newsies (Stage Manager / Mainstage Theatre), Shopkins Live Tour (APM & ASM / Koba Entertainment), Pan AM Panamania (PSM / City of Toronto), Aportia Chryptych Pomegranate, Queen In Me, Fantasma, Wow Factor: A Cinderella Story (PM / COC - Canadian Opera Company Theatre)
Paulina Tapia
Paulina Tapia (she/her) is delighted to be back for her seventh show with Mainstage Theatre Company! Paulina is a current student in the Performance Production program at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has been the Assistant Stage Manager with Mainstage for Urinetown, Spongebob the Musical, Legally Blonde, Freaky Friday, Cinderella, and A Chorus Line. When not in the theatre, Paulina can be found crocheting, playing D&D, and wearing a silly little outfit.
Mathilda Kane
Mathilda is a Toronto based lighting designer and theatre maker. She attended Toronto Metropolitan University for Performance Production and Design. They take a collaborative approach to creation and care greatly for fostering long term creative relationships. They are absolutely thrilled to be back with MTC for a third show and one of her all time favourite musicals. Her mainstage shows include Grease and A Chorus Line. Select Theatre Credits include: Killing Time: A Game Show Musical (Mixtape Projects), Cymatix (Citadel + Compagnie), UNCOVERED (Musical Stage Company), ECHO (a front company), Insert Clown Here (Parlous Theatre), A Perfect Bowl of Pho (Send Noods Productions), Citadel Dance Mix 2024 (Citadel + Compagnie),
Tanya Pineda
Tanya Pineda is just at the starting line in her career as a theatre sound technician. After mixing open mics for a year, she was looking for ways to expand her skill set and saw that possible in the world of theatre. She hopes to make her star-studded friends sound as great as can be!
Bryan Steele
Sabrina Pye
Genesis Jade
Iyahnah Daniels
Donors
Thank you to each and everyone of our sponsors!
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PRESENTING SPONSOR (Over $5,000) The Peter Mansbridge & Cynthia Dale Foundation
Studio 10
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Canadian Opera Company, Original Kids, Young People's Theatre, The Fringe Festival, Tanvi Vyas, Kai Masaoka, Paul Stafford and Parents of Mainstage!
FRIENDS OF MAINSTAGE Amanda Custodio
Bonny Murray Diane & Nicholas Bayley Genevieve Labrie & Eloise Federer Heidi Vilord Jacques Monfiston Janet Brock Jay T Schramek Jennifer McGuire Lynn Lovekin Lynn Porter Zechner Murphy Diggon Niall O'Connell & Helen Collins Patricia McCowan Paula Klein & Mary Lou Fassel Pnina Alon Shenker Renee Kerman Rick Johnson Sage Bernstein-Cord Sara, Susan & Mark Davis Sarah Armstrong and James Gorham Susan & Simon Davies Ty LeBlanc
Become a Friend of Mainstage
MAINSTAGE THEATRE COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS Susan Davies, President
Matthew Vilord, Vice President Pnina Alon-Shenker, Vice President Amanda Custodio, Treasurer Genevieve Labrie, Secretary Jennifer McGuire Jacques Monfiston Jay T. Schramek Liora Klein Cristina Trozzo Brian Shiller |
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