And all that jazz

THE latest production from Ballina Players brings the dark glamour of the 1920s jazz age to the stage, with the iconic musical Chicago running from June 6 to 29.

The 1975 Broadway hit is based on a 1926 play of the same name and follows wannabe vaudeville stars Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart, whose claim to fame comes not from their talent, but the murders that make them front-page news.

The vivacious music and timeless lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb, combined with the book by Kander and Bob Fosse, created a show that has captivated audiences for nearly 50 years.

Director Iesha Williams said Chicago was a well-known theatre staple and “the whole package of entertainment”.

“As a dancer myself, I find the glamour and ritz of this show is next level,” Williams said.

“Ballina Players put it on 12 years ago, and I was in the ensemble as a teenager.

“I’ve always loved the show itself and decided a full circle moment of directing it this time would be an exciting and creative challenge.”

Several adaptations of the musical have been made over the years, and Williams was conscious of the pressure to manage expectations.

“I have worked hard to create a balance of what I know people are expecting vs keeping the traditional aspects, plus adding my own spin,” she said.

“It’s a delicate recipe, but don’t be fooled by our smaller stage; this show will be massive.”

Williams joined the Players in 2010 and has been involved in various roles over 40 productions.

“I have worked in professional theatre and film for the last five years, but there is something so special about my Ballina Players family that I have yet to find anywhere else,” she said.

Regional talent is thriving, said Williams, who was spoiled for choice during the audition process.

“It’s a privileged problem to have, and we were overcome with the talent that came out of the woodwork,” she said.

“The hard thing about casting is that you may have a handful of people right for the roles, but matching the actors together is the final puzzle piece.”

Williams feels lucky to be part of community theatre in the region and believes the stigma of needing to head to the cities to pay more money to see a ‘decent’ show is being broken by the quality offerings across the region.

“I hope in the coming years more people are drawn to all our local theatres and keep coming out to support the phenomenal local talent,” she said.

“Ballina Players gave me a second home at a very young age, and I hope that in my time I pay that forward to the next generation of theatre goers.”

For tickets, visit trybooking.com/events/landing/1386750