As the school year comes to a close, Kennedy Theater prepares for their annual spring musical. This year the theater department will be performing a production of Chicago. 

Chicago originally debuted in 1975 on Broadway. The musical is set in the 1926 jazz era of the city it is named after. This satire musical pokes fun at corruption in the criminal justice system.

Velma Kelly, one of the main female characters, is portrayed by junior Raiya Hurt. Velma is a celebrity imprisoned in the Cook County Jail, where most of the musical takes place. 

“Anytime anyone asks [what the play is about], I’m like, ‘it’s about murder’,” said Hurt. “And that’s all I say.”

The main character Roxie Hart ends up in the same jail as Velma after murdering a partner with a threat of being hanged. Her lawyer Billy Flynn is then set with the task to her help.

Junior Luke O’Brien, who plays Billy Flynn, has high expectations for Kennedy’s production. 

“I think we have lived up to people’s expectations of the movie so far because the movie is this really iconic thing that most people have seen,” said O’Brien. “Hopefully, the audience thinks the same and their reactions are positive.”

Chicago will be on stage April 20, 21 and 22 in the auditorium. Thursday and Friday’s shows will take place at 7 p.m. There will be two shows on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“Even if you don’t like musicals because of this music, this one is just a little bit different.  You all should come and see it,” said O’Brien.