On May 16, Aragon’s Advanced Drama Program performed in Chicago, a musical satire on the Roaring Twenties. Centered around women in Chicago who have killed their husbands, the musical focuses on two women in particular: Velma Kelly, played by Samantha Green, and Roxie Hart, played by Sophie Rayes. The audience follows these women on their journey through the legal system to find fame.
Chosen by this year’s director, senior Andrew McColl, all students in the advanced drama class are required to participate in the show, whether it be through the technical team or by being an actor in the show.
“Every year, we elect someone to be our director and [they] direct the whole musical, so [they] get to choose whatever [they] want,” said junior Neeha Kumar, who played Liz Minnelli. “Of course we can talk to [them], and we influence [their] decisions a little bit, and we all agree that Chicago will be different.”
In terms of differences from past shows, Chicago explores mature themes such as corruption, fame and media control through unique costuming and historical accuracy.
“The costuming is definitely mature, but it’s classy, and there’s a red and black theme to it,” said junior Ash Caballaro, who played Mona Lipschitz in the show. “It stands out from other plays because it looks very dark.”
Chicago was the last show Aragon Drama performed in this year. Like many other final Aragon Drama shows, it was one night only, and there was little time to prepare.
“There’s a lot of work and not that much time,” Kumar said. “It’s stressful because it’s just another thing added on to my schedule: I have to remember to practice these dances and then know how to do them perfectly on the night of the show.”
For future student-led musicals, Aragon Drama is considering changing the one-day-only tradition.
“It’s normally one night and that’s always the way it’s been since it’s supposed to be a mini musical,” Kumar said. “But [advanced drama students] want it to be at least two nights, so we’re gonna see if our teacher can make that happen.”
Chicago started out with the cast posing in front of a red lit backdrop with bars, revealing only their silhouettes. The musical began with the song “All that Jazz” and featured many other songs, including “We Both Reached for the Gun,” which was made popular on social media.
Many audience members believed the show was a success.
“They did a wonderful, wonderful job,” said audience member Sugei Arevalo. “ I couldn’t believe it was just directed by the students.”
Despite the worries about the mature themes of Chicago, audience members believed it was just that which made the show stand out from others.
“I thought it was really good, shocking at some points, but overall it was a great production,” said senior Natasha Efron. “It stood out in [the way] that it was more risque compared to past shows, but overall, the quality was similar to past mini musicals.”
For other audience members, Chicago’s jazzy style and flair were what stood out the most.
“I really loved the singing and the choreography, it was really funny and engaging,” said freshman audience member Chloe Lim. “It was different from other shows, it was more jazzy. It wasn’t like the other past musicals like Sister Act.”
Aragon Drama will be performing their next musical in fall 2026. Specific details on the show are yet to be determined.
