Pascack Valley Theatre is performing the musical Chicago as the Spring Musical on Mar. 16 at 7 PM, Mar. 17 at 7 PM, and on the 18th at 1 PM and 7 PM. 

This show features Velma, played by senior Kelly Donlan, murdering her husband, and one of Chicago’s most well-known lawyers, Billy Flynn, played by senior Joe Holland, defends her. However,  Roxie, played by Meghan Roberts, also winds up in prison and Flynn takes on her case too, creating a media frenzy in which the women take over Chicago headlines. The women fight against each other and the public for fame and celebrity status.

Director Thomas Lupfer has been directing plays and musicals with the PV Theatre for years and thought that this year’s cast was perfect to take on the story of the well-renowned show, Chicago.

“We wanted to show that we could feature strong women,” Lupfer said. “We knew we had a lot of returning talent, especially girls, and not so many boys. We wanted something that was going to push an ensemble to grow and do a lot more dance than they’d had to do in the past. Chicago is probably the busiest dance show we’ve had, maybe ever.”

Lead Kelly Donlan explains that this year’s production has a more technical side, especially dance, which has been fun for her to learn. 

“I’ve been loving how intense and interesting the directors, choreographers, and music directors are like making this show,” Donlan said. “It’s very intricate and I’m loving how much dance is in it.” 

According to Evelyn Jansen, Production Stage Manager, from the perspective of the crew, this show has also been much more technical, and the time period is a new challenge for them as well.

“Chicago is really like classically theatrical since it’s based off like the cabaret style of the 20s,” Jansen said. “So there’s a lot more work on my end, to make that come to life.”

After performing in all the shows in her high school career, Donlan explains why this show is special to her. 

“We’re going to have crowds,” Donlan said. “That’s something that I think we’ve missed. So this show I feel like is different, but it’s also back to normal.”