The Northbrook Theater Youth Company is inviting teens and preteens ages 12 to 18 to audition in July for “Chicago: Teen Edition.”
According to a news release, the recreational theatre program creates age-appropriate, quality productions with young actors.A musical that has dazzled audiences of all ages for decades, “Chicago” is based on a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, the release said.
After its original debut in 1975, the musical’s 1996 revival is the second-longest running show of all time on Broadway after “The Phantom of the Opera,” which closed last year. Set in the 1920s, the story centers around aspiring jazz stars who sing and dance and become notorious for committing murder.
“Chicago: Teen Edition” by Concord Theatricals is a 90-minute adaptation created in collaboration with iTheatrics Academy in New York City, the release said. It is designed to be appropriate for younger audiences without overtly sexual references and adult language. The adaptation is flexible and can be performed by casts of various sizes.
Northbrook Theatre Youth Company, an initiative of the Northbrook Park District, is looking to cast between 15 and 30 young actors in various roles. The show will be staged in August at Northbrook Theatre, a 268-seat, state-of-the-art performance facility located inside the Leisure Center in Northbrook.
Melody DeRogatis, Northbrook Park District Performing Arts Supervisor, said the company is excited to produce a show that has specific appeal for teenagers, both as performers and spectators.
“The style of dance is what is notable about ‘Chicago,’” DeRogatis said. “Bob Fosse, who was born in Chicago, is an iconic Broadway jazz-style choreographer who created a funky and sleek dance style that looks amazing on stage. It’s a great style for performers to know, especially as they get into their high school performing careers or are pursuing performing arts in college.”
This is the first Northbrook Theatre production to be directed by DeRogatis, who joined the Park District in January.
“It’s been a longtime favorite of mine, and it’s also the first show I saw on Broadway when I was 16. I love the female empowerment focus,” she said in the release. “With ‘Chicago: Teen Edition’ I want to give young people the chance to hone their inner power and play with strong characterization on stage.”
Everyone is encouraged to audition, DeRogatis said. “It’s a great educational opportunity for teens, and a great opportunity for anyone who wants to be challenged, whether they have experience or not.”
Auditions for “Chicago: Teen Edition” take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on July 10 at Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Avenue in Northbrook, according to the release. The cost is $325 for residents and $409 for nonresidents.
The release said the Park District is also offering an audition prep workshop for anyone who wants to work off their nerves and get immediate feedback on ways to improve before the audition. The workshop takes place from 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. on July 9 at Northbrook Theatre. The cost is $55 for residents and $69 for nonresidents.
Preregistration is required for the auditions and the audition prep workshop.
Performances will take place at Northbrook Theatre Aug. 16, 17 and 18.
For more information or to preregister, please visit nbparks.org/events/chicago-teen-edition-auditions or call (847) 291-2995.