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
Ashley Pang
Aurora Oda Gillard
Brisa Valentina Beatriz Pedrozo Gavilan
Charlotte Caragata
Chelsea Webster
Elizabeth Dowden
Eloise Federer
Gwyneth Davies
Ivy deRuiter
Joanna Danev
Juliet Weingarten
Kaitlyn Hales
Lily Westsmith
Maze Watson
Payten Bell
Riley Berger
Ron Shenker
Rosie Taylor
Sasha Middleton
Sophia Kot
Sophia Sally Qureshi Wennekers
Stella Ramsay
Tessa Green
Thanh Nguyen
Truman Watson
Andrew Tribe
Steve Cota
Athena So
Jonah Nung
Murphy Diggon
Paulina Tapia
Mathilda Kane
Tanya Pineda
Bryan Steele
Sabrina Pye
Genesis Jade
Iyahnah Daniels
Donors
Thank you to each and everyone of our sponsors!
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 |