RISING stars of the stage will perform one of the world’s most popular musicals in Rugby next week.
Performing arts students from Rugby College will stage a four-performance run of Chicago from Tuesday, December 10 to Friday, December 13 at the college’s Platform Theatre.
Set in Jazz-age Chicago, the musical is based on a true story of love and greed, following the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly.
A total of 35 students will be involved in the production, with the level three Performing Arts students up on stage, and lighting and front-of-house duties conducted by level two students.
Penny Rann will play Roxie, while Lucie Cooksley will be in the other lead role as Velma, with Morgan Smith playing Roxie’s husband Amos.
Previous stars of the college have gone on to bag roles in the West End, including Nick Blair who was at Rugby College from 2005-2007 and went on to attend top London theatre school Arts Education School.
Penny Rann said she is looking forward to making her mark on the role of Roxie.
She said: “Chicago has been an experience and the show has really helped me come out of my shell. Roxie has been a dream role of mine and to be able to get a chance to play her is incredible.”
Morgan Smith added: “Amos is a great role for me. I am so excited to perform this amazing musical and be the not-so-smart husband.”
Last year’s production of Les Misérables sold out on all four nights and Performing Arts Lecturer and Course Leader Hayley Glover says she is expecting a similar interest this year.
She said: “We like to ensure all of our students are given their chance to shine whether it’s as a performer or behind the scenes – and large ensemble productions like Chicago allow us to do just that.
“Each year we see great crowds and the support is really appreciated by everyone associated with the college.
“I’m confident our students will pull off a fantastic performance, which is all part of their assessment whilst studying performing arts at Rugby College.”
Visit www.warwickshire.ac.uk/events for tickets (£7.50 each, or £5 for concessions).
