For the first time in six years, Riot Act, a theatre company in Jackson, is putting on a musical.
Director Macey Mott says Riot Act has grown as a company, and so with savings, grants, and more people involved, it's able to put resources into making a musical. They've chosen Chicago, the popular Broadway musical about murderesses trying to win public affection.
Chicago was an obvious choice for the edgy theatre company: crime and sex and violence, all in one show. In fact, director Macey Mott says Riot Act's Chicago emphasizes these aspects. "If you're going to come see the show," she said, "which we really hope you do, just be aware that I strongly suggest parental guidance because there is a lot of adult content in this show. So I wouldn't bring young children to see it."
Mott said there are other ways Riot Act is putting its own stamp on Chicago.
"We're setting the show in the 1920s, so all of our costuming and everything is period," she said. The show traditionally has all-black costumes. And she gave the choreographers free rein to depart from Bob Fosse's original dances. Their dances use furniture and hats in creative ways.
Chicago runs for two weekends at Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village, starting Thursday, March 7.
