A Timeless Tale: Chicago Returns to the CA Stage
Then and Now: The 2010 and 2025 CA productions of Chicago.
From February 20 through 22, Concord Academy audiences were dazzled by performances of Chicago. The jazz-infused musical set against the high-energy world of the Roaring ’20s was directed by theater teacher Shelley Bolman P’27, with musical direction by Performing Arts Department Head Michael Bennett and choreography by dance teacher Patrick John O’Neill.
Chicago tells the story of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, two vaudeville performers navigating public trials who blur the line between truth and spectacle. Bolman draws striking parallels between that era and today’s society. “In Chicago, all the world’s a stage, and justice is merely a performance,” Bolman says. “Success here is not defined by virtue but by the power to control the narrative.”
This fall, CA also presented Radium Girls, a play that documents the lives of watch dial painters who, facing health impairments, fight for fair working conditions. Bolman notes, “Michael Bennett and I chose the season together, focusing on corruption, justice, and the intersection of law and media—both plays set in the 1920s. In this age of disinformation, the pairing felt especially relevant.”
The Chicago cast delivered powerful performances, and Bolman highlighted their commitment throughout the rehearsals. “It was a real pleasure to work with so many talented actors, singers, dancers, and tech crew members to bring the story to life,” he said. “The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing the students’ commitment to the process.”
Chicago featured dual casting for leading roles, with each actor bringing a unique perspective to their character. The entire cast shined, showcasing their incredible acting, commanding voices, and comedic timing. The crew’s dedication to the staging elevated the production.
Bolman worked closely with the design team, including sound, costume, scenic, lighting, and prop designers, to ensure every element supported the story. The production’s aesthetic blended contemporary and nostalgic elements. Flapper dresses, traditionally designed in muted colors, were fashioned in jewel tones by costume designer Elizabeth Rocha, adding a modern splash of color to the musical.
Performing Arts Department Manager Jessica Cloutier-Plasse’s set design featured a multitiered stage with an Art Deco archway and golden curtains, creating a lavish backdrop to the drama. O’Neill reimagined Bob Fosse’s iconic moves while collaborating with the Dance Project to infuse the production with dynamic new energy. Bennett’s bustling jazz direction kept the tempo, leaving the audience humming along.
Chicago first graced the CA stage in 2010, and the February 22 performance marked a special moment for alums who had the chance to visit to watch the show and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Centennial Arts Center. Keith Daniel, the musical director of the 2010 production and longtime former CA faculty member, also returned to reminisce on the show.
This performance capped an expectant moment in CA’s history, as it was the final mainstage production in the Performing Arts Center. The next one will take place in the new Centennial Arts Center this fall. Chicago was a full-circle experience for both cast and audience alike, a reflection of the school’s tradition of creative collaboration. As the curtain falls on one era and rises on the next, the future of CA’s performing arts program shines brighter than ever.
