Oh, what a night!

Opening night of Chicago was spectacular! The theatre was almost entirely sold out, and there were people sitting in the aisles. The band was hot, hot, hot, the crew was totally on point, and the cast killed it. It was an unforgettable night for everyone who was there: the audience as well as the team putting it together.

Saturday night was also awesome--not quite sold out, but very healthy. What this means for you is: don't delay in getting your tickets! Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/o/san-diego-city-college-drama-program-8625432318 to get yours in advance--chances of us selling out completely for next weekend are very good. 

You don't want to miss this one.

Opening night! Opening night! Opening night!

This is it, folks, Chicago opens in 12 hours. Do you have your tickets yet? We've pre-sold almost 100 tickets for tonight, so don't miss out--go to citycollegetheatre.eventbrite.com to be sure you're not left out.

Chicago rehearsal photos

Here are some photos from Saturday's rehearsal with the band. Getting close to opening!

And here are some cast members helping with the costumes. Thanks, everyone!

Do you have your tickets yet? Go to eventbrite to get them in advance (small handling fee applies).

Program notes for Chicago

Director’s Notes

In 1975, the songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb launched Chicago on Broadway. Featuring iconic choreography by Bob Fosse, it ran for two years, then languished in semi-obscurity, playing mostly in community theatres, colleges, and universities (including both of my alma maters). Despite the great music and satirical storytelling, it seemed that no one was very interested in a play about criminals.

Then in July 1994, OJ Simpson drove his white Ford Bronco up the 405 after he murdered his wife and her lover. His trial, dubbed the “Trial of the Century”, was fodder to the tabloids and simply riveting to the millions of people who watched every second of it on their TVs. It became clear that the American public had a real appetite for stories about murderers. Theatrical producers took note, and Chicago was revived on Broadway in 1996, where it still runs today. The filmed version, which won six Academy Awards in 2002—including Best Picture—introduced a host of new fans to the show.

I have always had a real fondness for this musical. I love that it is funny, dark, and more than a little racy. Its subtitle is “A Musical Vaudeville,” and most of the music is an homage to a specific vaudeville performer. Kander and Ebb wrote songs that recollect Helen Morgan, Ted Lewis, Bert Williams, Julian Eltinge, and the last of the red-hot mamas herself, Sophie Tucker.  This production of Chicago highlights these vaudeville aspect of the show, as we are presenting it as though the cast is made of up members of a vaudeville troupe who is putting on a show. The performance you will see is an authentic, 1920s take on this now well-known musical. I am incredibly grateful to the entire team that has come together to present this show. Everyone has worked tirelessly, and we hope you enjoy it.

--Katie Rodda, Director

Chicago getting ready to open ...

We're on Spring Break, but the cast, crew, and designers of Chicago are working hard to be ready for our opening on April 21!

Have you bought your tickets yet? Go here to get them in advance. This show may very well sell out, so don't miss it!

Don't miss the final weekend of the 2nd Annual New Play Festival in the BlackBox Theatre, March 17-19th! Some fantastic work by the next generation of San Diego playwrights.

Tickets available at the door.

Opening Night! Opening Night!

Come see the 2nd annual New Play Festival at City College. Performances Friday and Saturday at 8 and Sunday at 2.