Geneva High School ready to razzle, dazzle in ‘Chicago, the Musical’

With social media’s ever‑growing influence, its power can feel impossible to contain — sometimes even capable of reshaping the truth. While no actual crimes are being committed at Geneva High School, students will soon step into a world where scandal, spectacle, and manipulation take center stage as they present the classic musical “Chicago.”

The jazz‑infused production follows Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two merry murderesses, as they turn to slick lawyer Billy Flynn to escape conviction. With Flynn’s guidance, Roxie and Velma work to sway public opinion, harnessing attention to transform their crimes into celebrity — and to outmaneuver the justice system through sheer popularity.

Performances will take place April 23-25 in the Geneva High School auditorium, 416 McKinley Ave. Each evening show begins at 7 p.m., and the Saturday, April 25, will also feature a special matinee performance at 2 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at ticketpeak.com/go/genevahighschool304/events. Tickets are $15 or $10 for both senior citizens and students pre-kindergarten through high school.

The 2025-26 school year marks the sesquicentennial of Geneva High School, and the celebration continues with special events on Saturday, April 25.

Between the matinee and evening performances, the school will host an open house beginning at 4 p.m., followed by a pasta dinner at 5 p.m.

Admission to the dinner is $15, with children ages 6 or under admitted free. Tickets for both the dinner and the performances can be purchased at the link provided above.

All proceeds from the dinner will directly support the Geneva High theater department and its future productions. Whether you attend the matinee or the evening show, the day offers a perfect opportunity to join the community in honoring the school’s milestone anniversary and enjoying a great production.

For the Geneva seniors, this production will be their last major high school performance. Stage manager Emily Tuman has been behind the scenes for four years and took some time to reflect on her experience in tech as a whole. She notes that her fondest memory was covering a graduated stage manager in whipped cream on closing night of the last show, remarking on the camaraderie and connection between students in theater and how even the silliest moments can be the fondest. However, Emily is also excited for this production.

She promises the audience that they will be surprised by the set design. “It is a different set design than we’ve ever done before,” She says. “And I think people will be amazed by all of the moving pieces.”

As always, no show is complete without a skilled and dedicated creative team. Co-directors Drew Longo and Jay Fontanetta guide the cast with a sharp eye for detail, continually pushing performers to elevate their craft.

The production crew also features choreographer Kyle Donahue, music director Riley Carter, and vocal director Jessica Heinrich.

Supporting tech director Olivia Frullani are lighting and sound designer Chris Arnett and costume coordinator Stephanie Nemeth, whose behind-the-scenes expertise helps bring the world of Chicago to life.

With the combined talents of the cast, directors, musicians, and tech crew, the entire company is eager to see their hard work shine onstage in this dazzling production.