On Jan. 22 students filtered into the auditorium for after-school rehearsal.

Some plopped their backpacks down and leaned against the red theater seats.

About two dozen teenagers lined up on the stage in neat-ish rows doing high knees, butt kicks and jumping jacks. 

Someone was tinkering with sound; the speaker wasn’t working. 

“Be so for real right now — I’m gonna lose it,” a choreographer shouted.

Costumes were not ready.

The pit had not yet been put in.

There were still dances to be learned.

Only 28 more days. 

Chicago is one of the most recognizable musicals in theater history, and debuted on Broadway in 1975. This cult classic is set in the Chicago jazz age, and was chosen by director and theater teacher Shawnasea Holst last year mid-semester. 

The story — based on true events —  centers around Roxie Hart, a conniving housewife, and Velma Kelly, a renowned vaudeville star. The rivals meet in jail while awaiting the trials of their alleged murders. This musical is a satirical take on how celebrity culture and scandal-driven media have corrupted the criminal justice system.

“It’s murdery,” Holst said. “And it’s notoriously provocative, which we’re trying to minimize because these are children on stage.”

Thespian Troupe 888’s rendition of Chicago is the teen version, which has been altered to include less sexual innuendo, drug use and inappropriate language for younger talent and viewing audiences. 

Fosse — created by American choreographer, dancer and director Bob Fosse — is a major style of dance being implemented that is also widely associated with Chicago. It’s typically known for its use of sensual angular movements, finger snapping, jazz hands, bowler hats and more. 

“I’ve done three shows now at Northwest, all musicals,” senior Luke Dent, who plays the male lead, Billy Flynn said. “Every time it seems like the singing or acting are taking precedence, but Chicago is the biggest dance heavy show we’ve done since I’ve been here. It’s a massive undertaking because we now have two choreographers, very difficult choreography and long songs. So the majority of our time has been put towards learning all these dances and cleaning them up.”

Even though the musical gained popularity in the 1970s and again after the 2002 movie adaptation, a lot of well-known songs stem from Chicago, like “We Both Reached For the Gun” and “All That Jazz.” 

Rehearsals began after Thanksgiving break. Since then, students have been busy working on tap routines, designing sets and memorizing lines. 

“We have 50 years worth of history in this building and we’ve done some risque shows here –  Cabaret, which is, you know, Chicago plus Nazis – but Chicago has not been among them,” Holst. “We have close to 100 students involved in the production, and it’s not just theater, it’s so many different departments coming together. We’ve got choir kids, dance team band and orchestra students working together. That’s the coolest thing about it.”

 Chicago’s debut will be on Feb. 20-22 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.