When the cast takes the stage during the Wilton Playshop‘s production of Chicago, there will be a few familiar faces among the actors, singers and dancers. The cast features Wilton dentist Dr. James Aris, local business owner Maurice (Mo) Segall, and Wilton residents Kasey Luce, Katie Wingertzahn and Donna Savage, as well as Wilton High School student Nikki Scamuffo.
Some of the behind-the-scenes talent are also Wilton residents: the show’s choreography is by Wilton Conservatory of Dance owner Christine Titus, and the show’s producer is Wilton’s Janice Dehn.
In addition, the Playshop’s production of the Kander and Ebb musical is being directed by Ralph Pastore and is under the musical direction of Tom Cuffari.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the show’s Broadway revival,” Pastore says. “Not many theaters are given the license to stage this show, and we are lucky to be one of the very few in our area to have the opportunity.”
Broadway’s longest-running American musical, Chicago is a dazzling and satirical look at fame, justice, and the media machine. Set in 1920s Chicago and based on real-life murders and trials, the show features many favorite numbers including, “Cell Block Tango” and “All that Jazz.” It originally hit Broadway in 1975 and was revived in 1996. It was also made into a movie starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger and Richard Gere, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, in 2003.
Scamuffo gets top billing as the person who plays ‘Velma Kelly,’ a vaudevillian on trial for killing her cheating husband and sister. Velma kicks off the show with the rousing “All that Jazz.”
Aris is making his Wilton theatrical debut in Chicago, as the ‘Sergeant/Judge’ and as part of the ensemble. When he is not singing and dancing, he is the doctor behind Wilton Center Family Dentistry. He’s currently studying voice with actress Diana Canova. He and his wife, Pamela, have been long-time supporters of the Wilton Playshop. “I’m grateful to be a part of this dynamic cast and vibrant community,” he says.
Savage is playing ‘June,’ a one of the murderesses and is also a dancer in the production. Luce is a featured specialty dancer and a member of the ensemble; Wingertzahn plays ‘Go to Hell Kitty’ and is also a dancer and member of the ensemble; and Segall is also an ensemble member.
The Wilton Playshop is now in its 79th consecutive season. Chicago is recommended for audiences over age 13.
Performance dates are: April 29, 30, May 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 at 8 p.m.; and May 1, 8, and 14 at 2 p.m.. Tickets cost $30 for adults, and $25 for seniors and students. On Thrifty Thursdays, prices are discounted by $5 apiece. Tickets are on sale now on the Playshop website.
For more information, visit the Wilton Playshop website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.