HARLINGEN — A whole new world, a new exciting point of view ….
The animated musical “Aladdin” celebrated characters venturing into whole new experiences, and two lead actors in the musical “Chicago” seem to be singing that same tune.
“I’m in choir so most of the time it’s just singing,” said Gabriella Garza, 15, who plays Velma Kelly in the Harlingen school district’s production of “Chicago.”
Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South are collaborating in the district-wide production of the popular musical now showing at Harlingen CISD Performing Arts Center.
The musical is based on the 1926 play of the same name written by Maurine Dallas Watkins.
She was a reporter covering the case of two women accused and later acquitted of murder.
“It’s an empowering show because it focuses on women in the 1920s,” said Gabriella, a sophomore at HHS and choir singer
“Their husbands aren’t good to them so they end up killing the husbands and then go to jail. While they’re in jail, they’re just trying to get this lawyer to get them out of jail to go live their dreams.”
She especially enjoyed performing with her best friend Mary Kate Holder, who plays the other lead character Roxie Hart.
“It’s a really fun role,” said Mary Kate, 16, a junior at HHS.
Fun, but not easy.
“It was hard at the beginning because she’s a very demanding character,” she said. “It’s really helped me step out of my comfort zone.”
In more ways than one.
“I’ve never performed on stage with the whole costume and wig and makeup,” Mary Kate said. “It’s always been in a choir gown.”
Audiences can still see the two young singers explore new horizons by seeing their show this weekend.
