From this Friday to Monday, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Pauper Players is bringing "Chicago" to the PlayMakers Repertory Company.
“'Chicago' is heavily choreographed, and since I consider myself primarily an actor, that’s probably been the biggest challenge for me,” Gage Tarlton, who plays the Master of Ceremonies, said. “Our choreographer, Samantha Richmond, is incredible and really passionate about dance and hopefully that will be visible throughout the show. I feel like I’ve learned a great deal from her.”
The musical features a cast of UNC-CH students and showcases their talents in singing, acting and dancing.
Choreographer Samantha Richmond said she was inspired by different styles of dance.
“When choreographing, I tried to not only take inspiration from Fosse, the original choreographer, but also other styles of dance that I’ve trained with," Richmond said. "I wanted to make every number different so that the cast could experience different styles of dance, and it’s been so amazing watching each of the cast members grow as dancers."
Tori Jewell, the director of "Chicago," said she found the directing experience to be very rewarding through working with the different cast members.
“I encourage everyone to come see 'Chicago,' and I hope the audience will appreciate the immense talent of the cast, and my interpretation of a classic piece of musical theatre,” Jewell said.
Richmond also spoke on the work ethic seen through rehearsal.
"I can definitely say that this cast has been my favorite to work with," Richmond said. "Everyone works so hard and is so dedicated to making this a great show, and their hard work has really paid off.”
