CHICAGO Begins Next Week at SCU's Mayer Theatre

Santa Clara University's Department of Theatre and Dance announced today the full casting and creative creative team for the upcoming production of CHICAGO. Performances begin on May 27 at the Louis B. Mayer Theatre (Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95050).

CHICAGO, with a book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse, music by John Kander, and lyrics by Fred Ebb, is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins. The script adaptation is by David Thompson. Santa Clara University's production of Chicago is directed by Jeffrey Bracco with choreography by Pauline Locsin-Kanter and music direction by Tony Asaro.

CHICAGO features Kalina Venugopal as "Velma Kelly," Lyndsey Brown as "Roxie Hart" and Max Jennings as "Billy Flynn," with Maura Bonini as "Matron 'Mama' Morton," Sarah Olive-McStay as "Mary Sunshine" and Derek Sikkema as "Amos Hart." The Company also includes Bridget Aiello, Kirsten Brondial, Caitlin Burns, Lexsi Chitwood, Natalie Duong, Kate Fauria, Nina Feliciano, Ella Fogel, Matt Gill, Jeremiah Givens, Lee Harold, Darrell Hubbard, Madeline Knutson, Cynthia Le, Genre McAtee, Nick Medal, Judy (Bao-An) Ngo, Byron Nguyen, Torrie Ornelas, Rachel Robles, Daniel Stahlnecker, Christian Wilburn, and Kaitlin Zablotsky

Director Jeffrey Bracco says, "CHICAGO is pure energy and our cast really delivers! There are show-stopping numbers, engaging performances and even a few surprises. Everything is in place for the audience to have a spectacular experience."

In addition to Mr. Bracco, Ms. Locsin-Kanter and Mr. Asaro, the creative team includes Lighting Designer Derek Duarte, Sound Designer George Psarras, Set Designer Jerald Enos and Costume Designer Naomi Arnst.

Premiering in 1975, the 1997 Broadway revival of CHICAGO (in a production that originated at City Center's Encore! series) won six Tony Awards including Best Revival. The 2002 film adaptation won the Academy Award as Best Picture of the Year.

In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos to take the rap...until he finds out he's been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another "Merry Murderess" Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the "American Dream": fame, fortune and acquittal. This sharp-edged satire features a dazzling score that sparked immortal staging by Bob Fosse. CHICAGO is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $5-$15. Purchase online at www.scupresents.org, call 408-554-4015 or visit the Louis B. Mayer Box Office in-person.

SCU•PRESENTS fosters opportunities on the Santa Clara University campus to teach students, engage audiences, and promote understanding through the performing arts. Created to facilitate artistic exchange between artists in the fields of dance, music, and theatre, SCU•Presents encompasses programming from the Department of Theatre and Dance, the Department of Music, and the newly formed Arts for Social Justice, as well as select Visiting Artist Series programming. In addition to presenting the works of these university programs, SCU•Presents serves an important role within the local community by offering affordable venues to Bay Area arts organizations and educators.