AU Theatre production of ‘Chicago’ to feature Miss Alabama 2015 as Velma

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The longest running American musical in the history of Broadway—"Chicago"—will open Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m. on the Telfair Peet Theatre Mainstage.

"Chicago" follows Roxie Hart as she joins the ranks of Velma Kelly and the other "merry murderesses" of the Cook County jail in 1920s Chicago. With the help of lawyer Billy Flynn and prison matron Momma Morton, Roxie and Velma harness the power of celebrity to plead their cases and become stars. Although "Chicago" originally opened on Broadway in 1975, its tawdry tales of celebrity culture run amok remain relevant today. Audiences can expect a stage chock full of sultry movement, shrewd vocals, and satirical humor.

Of the many talented cast members in Auburn's production of "Chicago," is someone that will be familiar to many audience members—Meg McGuffin, who was Miss Alabama in 2015. McGuffin is a graduate student at Auburn and, in an interview with the university's student run newspaper, The Auburn Plainsman, said she wanted a new kind of challenge, so she's taking on the role of Velma in the show (played by Katherine Zeta-Jones in the film).

The artistic team for "Chicago" includes direction by Chris Qualls, music direction by Elizabeth Benson, choreography by Jeri Dickey, costume design by Tracy Oleinick (assisted by Tori Lewis), guest lighting and scenic design by Travis McHale and guest sound design by Anthony Narcisco (assisted by Cheyenne Dalton). The cast includes Cara Elle Benson, Nick Brazleton, Tyler Carter, Bobby Coe, Sarah Beth Cumella, Connor Dealy, Allison Dixon, Delainy Earle, Emma Fox, Sierra Hardwick, Hudson Hubbard, Teyonna Johnson, Hannah Kuykendall, Grant Lackey, Meg McGuffin, Logan Pace, Cate Rasco, Dylan Renfrow, Kelly Reynolds, Ebony Strong, Scott Tye, Kristen VanderWal, Lauren Vedder and Olivia Zeagler.

This performance runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.

"Chicago" first appeared onstage as a play that eventually caught the eyes of choreographer/director Bob Fosse and his wife, Gwen Verdon, an actress. At Fosse and Verdon's urging, American songwriters John Kander and Frank Ebb adapted the original play into a tawdry, jazz musical that premiered on Broadway in 1975. While a mild hit, the musical did not enter into the pantheon of musical theatre until the revival premiered on Broadway in 1997. That revival production still runs at the Ambassador Theatre and has reached nearly 9000 performances.

Additionally, Rob Marshall's 2002 film version of "Chicago," starring Catherine Zeta Jones, Renee Zellweger and Queen Latifah, won a total of six academy awards including best picture.

Auburn's production of "Chicago." like the film, receives a rating of PG-13, and runs until Feb. 24.

To purchase tickets, visit https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=aubrn, or call 334-844-4154.

Talkback Thursdays

An opportunity to learn more about the show and to hear from members of the cast and production team is available through "Talkback Thursdays." Join the cast and crew after the performance on "Talkback Thursdays" for a discussion with the director and company members.

Buy Tickets

The Department of Theatre continues to take advantage of its new ticketing system. Features include the ability to choose seats online (for mainstage productions) and a new season subscription package, along with a larger range of purchasing options. 

More information is available.

Box Office Hours

The Box Office is open on the following days and times:

  • Tuesday-Friday, from 2-5 p.m.
  • On weekday performances, from 2-8 p.m.
  • On Saturday evening performances, 6-8 p.m.
  • On Sunday matiness, 1-3 p.m.

Showtimes (Telfair Peet Main Stage)

  • Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
  • *Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2:30 p.m. (matinee)
  • Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:30 p.m. (added due to popular demand) 

*Talkback Thursday

Ticket Prices

  • General $16
  • Senior Citizen $12
  • Faculty and Staff $12
  • AU student with ID: Free
  • Non-Auburn University Student $12

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Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.