TURNERS FALLS — You will soon be able to see a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery, as presented by the Turners Falls High School and Great Falls Middle School theater program.

The spring musical, “Chicago,” is set to premiere at 7 p.m. on Thursday, with shows to follow at the same time on Friday and Saturday. There will also be a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“We’re in our last few rehearsals before we open and they’ve been going pretty well,” Director Kimberly Rose said in an interview as the youngsters worked on a number. “It’s going to be great by the time we get there.”

The 1975 American musical tells the story of two showgirls, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, who resort to crime to achieve stardom and then recruit the help of a greasy defense attorney to help them literally get away with murder. The three main roles have been double-casted.

“If we have enough kids, why not give more opportunity and growth to more students?” Rose said.

Hart is played by Fiona Hutchison and Syna Katsoulis, whereas Kelly is portrayed by Clara Guidaboni and Izzy Vachula-Curtis. Lawyer Billy Flynn is played by Cody McDonough and Michael Waite.

“Our two fellas in the white suits there are our two different Billys,” Assistant Director Jessica Vachula-Curtis, who is also Izzy’s mother, said with a laugh looking toward the stage during Monday’s rehearsal. She said auditions were held in December and rehearsals started the following month. “It’s a lot of juggling of … both casts to make sure everyone has adequate rehearsal time.”

Rose, who started directing plays at the school in 2019, mentioned science and technology teacher Brian Lamore built the play’s set.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or
413-930-4120.