''Chicago'' at the Owen Theatre May 13 - June 4

CONROE, Texas - Conroe travels to Chicago, well, as far as the Owen Theatre located in the historic downtown district. Premiering this Friday, May 13, the Players Theatre Company presents the sensational American musical, Chicago (1975), one of the longest running American musicals in Broadway history. The story takes place during the Prohibition era, and is based on a 1926 play by the same name, written by reporter, Maurine Dallas Watkins which portrayed actual criminals and crimes she reported about.

The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice, and exploits the concept of the "celebrity criminal." The play’s music is by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb. The book was penned by Ebb and the legendary choreographer, Bob Fosse.

“I am playing Billy Flynn, a part I have wanted for 40 years!,” posted Michael Martin on his Facebook page upon hearing he had been selected for the male lead in Chicago.

The play will run through June 4, and is expected to be one of the most popular productions presented at the Owen Theatre. The original play was nominated for a dozen Tony awards when it first premiered on Broadway; the revival in 1996 was nominated for eight, and won six Tony awards. The movie version was nominated for thirteen Academy Awards and won six, which included Best Picture. The colorful characterization, and outstanding choreography by Fosse, have made Chicago an American classic.

“I am fortunate to be teamed here with great performers, Courtney Locke (Velma) and Caroline Juliet Parks (Roxie),” said Martin.”I am excited to be part of this production with such a great cast, and wonderfully helmed by Jeff Baldwin.”

Locke and Parks play the co-leading ladies who vie for Martin’s character. Maria Schenck portrays the play’s other dominant character, Matron Mama Morton.

Some little known facts about original Chicago Broadway musical…

• The play, musicals, movie, etc., were based on true 1924 trials of accused murderers involving women killing their lovers or husbands.
• Playwright Maurine Dallas Watkins, refused to sell the rights to her play, and it wasn’t until after her death, that her estate sold the rights to producer Richard Fryer, Bob Fosse and his wife, Gwen Verdon, making way for the classic musical to be produced.
• Jerry Orbach, who played Detective Lennie Briscoe on Law & Order, was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical, for his portrayal of Billy Flynn.

To see this musical satire in person purchase tickets from the Owen Theatre at TICKETS, but don’t hesitate. Although the Owen Theatre has 250-seat capacity, Chicago is expected to fill it.

The Owen Theatre is located south of the downtown area of Conroe at 225 Metcalf Street. For more information about the Owen Theatre visit their website. And if you like their performances, why not ‘Like’ their Facebook page at Owen Theatre Facebook.

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