Sierra Stages presents “Chicago” from July 13-August 5 in Nevada City

THIS SUMMER, SIERRA STAGES brings the excitement of the hit musical “Chicago” to Nevada City with an all-local Nevada County production playing July 13-August 5 at the historic Nevada Theatre.

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, “Chicago” tells the story of Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who murders her lover. Desperate to avoid a conviction, Roxie dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer, Billy Flynn, to transform her crime into a barrage of sensational headlines.

Most of us know “Chicago” from the 2002 movie version with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renee Zellweger, and Richard Gere. Originally premiering on Broadway in 1975, “Chicago” is a modern classic of the American musical theater, with a catchy score by John Kander and Fred Ebb (best known for another modern classic, “Cabaret”) and a funny and engaging book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, who directed and choreographed the original production.

“Chicago” is directed by Robert Rossman, with dance direction by George Jayne and music direction by Ken Getz, who is conducting the 16-person onstage band. The cast includes Kate Haight, Jacquelynn Kolenko, Jonathan Hansard, Sara Noah, Micah Cone, Janet Rossman, Trish Adair, Erin Beatie, Audrey Delgado, Heidi Grass, Tinley Ireland, Tina Kelly, Michaela King, Heather Lucas-Ross, Hailey Patrick, Kimberly Shepard, Angela Williams, Elliot Childs, Chase Coney, Kris Meadows and Jonathan Willis.

“All of us are excited to be mounting a local production of ‘Chicago’ as our ninth annual summer show,” says Getz. “We have put together an amazing cast, band, and production staff for the show.” Performances of “Chicago” are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Following “Chicago”, Sierra Stages concludes its ninth season with the intimate musical “Ordinary Days,” playing from October 5-28. From the bustling streets to the quiet rooftops, “Ordinary Days” tells the story of four New Yorkers whose lives are unexpectedly interconnected by circumstance. Sandra Rockman is the director, with musical direction by Getz. SierraStages.org

(Photo: Jeremy Daniel)