Silhouettes of women behind bars faded away as everything on the stage went black. The theater was buzzing with excitement, but the packed audience went silent when a spotlight lit the stage, revealing the cheery announcer.
The energy heightened when the stage fully lit up. Trumpets and trombones boomed as the dancers strutted their stuff. Velma Kelly stepped out through silver tinsel, ready to please the crowd with her song and dance. From the hoots and hollers, one thing was clear- “Chicago” delivered.
Since December, the cast and crew have devoted their time and energy to this performance. More than 30 cast members and production assistants put together the highly intricate rendition of the hit Broadway show.
Headliners Alyssa Flowers and Melissa Champion, who play Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly respectfully, have been working hard to develop their characters and learn both acts by heart.
During rehearsals, it’s stop and go. Perfecting every minor detail takes time. Cast members are working on hair and makeup backstage in the final days before the show.
Flowers speaks softly, but not because she’s shy. “I’m on vocal rest from the choir concert, so I have to take it easy,” she said.
Flowers has always dreamed of being a star on the big stage. Her first show was when she was 13. Being a musical theater major, she hopes to be a professional actress in theater.
“The hardest thing for me is developing the character,” said Flowers. Originally, she had wanted to be Velma, but she read the part for Roxie instead. “I’m so thankful I got the opportunity to have this part,” she said.
Apart from the musical, Flowers is very active in the visual and performing arts department at ULM.
“I’m in dance ensemble, and I’ve been in chamber choir for four semesters,” Flowers said
She also went on a ULM choir concert tour that traveled to Alexandria, New Orleans and Lafayette and then finished here on campus.
Sometimes reading lines isn’t easy. Back in January, a bad storm made rehearsal complicated one night.
“We were in the dance hall doing a read through, and the power went out,” said Flowers. “We were all reading our lines, then we were in the dark. It was really scary.”
The cast had to use their phones and lighters to finish the reading.
“I was scared, but we all had a great time,” Flowers said.
For Champion, it has been an experience to remember.
“It takes a lot of dedication, from the director, performers and the crew,” she said. Champion said she loves the energy of live theater and getting to be someone else.
“The dancing has been hard at times, but it’s been fun,” she said.
To help herself get into character, Champion played the soundtrack to “Chicago” in her home as often as she could. She sings along as she twirls around her living room.
“I’m sure my husband gets annoyed, though, because I play it all the time,” she laughed.
Both Flowers and Champion agree that managing their time has been challenging but very rewarding.
“C’mon, it’s ‘Chicago’!” said Flowers, noting that the hard work is worth it.
Champion added, “It’s full of excitement, and it is awesome. I’m happy to have this opportunity.”
Champion is a senior vocal performance major who transferred to ULM from a community college in Jackson, Miss.
“Our choir came here for a tour, and I quickly decided to transfer. I loved it here,” she said.
Champion wants to further her education by getting degrees in vocal education, musical theater and performing arts after graduating.
“I hope to be teaching performing arts and vocal education one day,” she said.
Flowers and Champion finished the musical with the final song, “Hot Honey Rag.”
Flowers’ white flapper dress bounced as she danced across the stage, and Champion wore a black top crystallized with rhinestones and sequins and a fringed skirt.
Synchronized, they danced with fake rifles, smiling as the crowd cheered. The entire cast came out to bow in the finale.
Breathing heavily, Flowers and Champion held hands and bowed together with smiles never leaving their faces.
After three nights with a packed house and standing ovations, the cast of “Chicago” showed they really were all that jazz.