UCO Musical Theater Department to Put on “Chicago” This Weekend

Murder, jazz, and scandal take center stage as the UCO musical theatre department’s production of “Chicago” opens Thursday, February 12, at the UCO Jazz Lab.

Performances of this historical musical run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are free for students with a valid UCO ID and are available at the door. General admission tickets are $20.

General admission and student tickets are still available. All nights are sold out for reserved seating.

Set in Chicago, Ill., during the Roaring Twenties, the musical follows two main women: Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly. Both have been accused of murder and find themselves competing for fame behind bars.

With the help of lawyer Billy Flynn, Roxie is turned into an infamous celebrity overnight. As the media frenzy grows, both women navigate ambition, rivalry, and the blurred line between justice and entertainment.

This production is directed and choreographed by Nathan Peck, music directed by Scott Clayton, and assistant directed by student Maggie Smith. Dance captains are Luanda de Hilster and Grayson Schreiber, the stage manager is Aubree Hurst, and the assistant stage managers are Bella Barrett and Bella Feikert.

Peck is a full-time faculty artist-in-residence in musical theatre at UCO. He is new to the school this year, with this being his second time directing and choreographing here and his second show in the jazz lab as well. 

Peck stated that this show is very relevant to today’s time.

“It’s very interesting to sort of see how something that’s set in that time [the 20s], was written in the 70s, is still, you know, incredibly relevant to what’s going on right now in our current world,” he said. 

He said that this particular production is made unique by the cast. 

“The cast is incredibly dynamic,” Peck said. “They’re so energetic and throwing themselves into the piece and really working hard and really talented and getting to kind of stretch those talents.”

The musical was written in the 1970s and was based on a 1926 play. It satirizes corruption in the criminal justice system and the cult of celebrity in the Jazz Age. “Chicago” has won six Tony Awards, two Oliver Awards, and a Grammy and is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.

In addition, the venue will influence the audience’s experience of “Chicago”.

“In terms of the Jazz Lab, you know, it’s such an interesting space. It’s really, really cool in the way that, you know, we’re trying to use it interactively and like really come into the audience a lot,” Peck said.

He continued, “Maybe have a few surprising entrances and exits from places that people weren’t expecting people to show up. And, you know, it’s cool to be in a space that’s so immersive like that.”

“I think it’s just a great opportunity to see a show, enjoy it, maybe think a little bit, hopefully. And, you know, just see some great entertainment,” he said.

Tickets can be purchased through the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design Ticket Office at 405-974-2100, in person or by calling the Mitchell Hall box office, online at cfadtickets.uco.edu, or at the door. The UCO Jazz Lab is located at 100 E 5th St in Edmond.