The 2025 spring musical that Weddington High School chose to present was Chicago, and they did a sensational job. This thrilling musical was portrayed incredibly through the help of not only the cast but the brilliance of backstage and tech as well. 

From the moments the lights dimmed the audience was immediately drawn in. The curtains slid aside and the presence that the stage brought took over. With an outstanding set of a double staircase that was almost completely identical to the original one from Broadway. The cast took to the stage, keeping the audience’s attention.  The techs were following the designed layout of the lights they had created, keeping the musical going and the stage managers were running the backstage rush, keeping everyone calm and everything in order.

Throughout the entirety of the first act everyone was in awe. After each song I was in a constant struggle of hearing a song then saying that’s my favorite one, then hearing the next to only change my mind. Not only that but everyone in the auditorium was giving an applause for every scene. From my seat I could tell I wasn’t the only one struggling to find just one song that I liked because they were all so amazing. From “And All That Jazz” to “Mister Cellophane” was truly such an incredible performance to watch. 

The choreography was so intriguing the way they were able to mimic things like the scene of “We Both Reached For The Gun” with the puppetry effects, the scene of “All That Jazz” were the unison of the cast onstage with the lights was stunning, “Cell Block Tango” were you felt like you were in the jail with them and “Razzle Dazzle” where there was so many moving pieces including people on stilts, people on unicycles, clowns, ribbons, glitter, bright lights, white suits, sparkly dresses and more. The brilliance behind every moving part had its moment to be seen.

The song that after talking to the entire cast and crew the song that hit differently was “Nowadays”. I couldn’t agree with more in the sense of how much meaning was behind it that was really present to all who were watching. The song was sort of a goodbye that embraced the idea of change. Most of the crew and cast are seniors so their last musical to perform together. To end their senior years, this song couldn’t have been more perfect. The idea of times changing to where the stages of their lives shifting into new ones. For the seniors in this musical this song resonated with them a lot. 

I’ve heard over and over about how amazing our theatre department at Weddington is; different from all the other schools but it’s another thing to actually experience this paragon in person. When the final curtained dropped there was a standing ovation

Any chance you get to come to see a play or musical at Weddington high school take it because trust me when I tell you it won’t be something you’ll regret. As Velma Kelly would say ‘When you’re hot, you’re hot’- and this production certainly ignited the school and was a blazing trail of success.

Here’s some quotes from various cast, crew and faculty about the musical:

Ms.Buchanan: “The Chicago play was nothing short of spectacular. As soon as the play started, you could tell how much work and effort was put into this production. The students showed not only their exceptional vocal skills, but also their creativity with their dancing and stage presence. From the moment the curtains opened, I felt like I was transported back to 1920s Chicago! The talent, energy, and passion shown throughout this play was remarkable!”

Mrs. Phillips: “The show was a hit. I had high expectations because I know the typical quality of performance WHS has to offer, and yet my expectations were still exceeded. The talent was truly impressive, and the set construction made the entire performance immersive and memorable. I have only great things to say about it.”