LAKE BENTON - Although the poster for the upcoming production at the Lake Benton Opera House says the show deals with "mature themes," those who are a part of it said it's not as racy as people think.
The Lake Benton Opera House is presenting the musical "Chicago" at 7:30 p.m. July 29-31 and Aug. 4-7 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 1, and 7-8. The show is being directed by Mark Wilmes.
Wilmes said "Chicago" appeals to a certain generation, but it had high demand.
"The movie is huge, young people like the show," Wilmes said. "We had a lot of requests to do it over the years."
Wilmes said he and a few of the Opera House's actors saw "Chicago" performed in Hutchinson last year "just to see the shock value of the actual production."
The worst thing about the musical's script is the language, Wilmes said.
Fact Box
'Chicago'
7 p.m. July 29-31, Aug. 4-7 and 2 p.m. Aug. 1 and 7-8.
Tickets: Tickets are $12.50 for adults, $12 for seniors and students.
Dinner theater tickets are also available for the July 29 and Aug. 4 shows. Call 507-368-4620 for reservations.
"It's not as bad as I thought it would be," Wilmes said. The script actually stays true to the real-life story from the 1920s, he said.
Wilmes said he read the script and thought it was something that would go over well in Lake Benton.
"We haven't tamed it down a whole lot," said Ashley Vogt, who plays Roxie Hart.
"We have just toned down some of the profanities," said Brad Nupen, who portrays Roxie's husband, Amos.
Wilmes said the Opera House applied for the musical's rights last year, but didn't hear anything for months. In January, it was decided to pull the plug on "Chicago" and do "Camelot" instead.
But just a short time later, Wilmes said, they got the rights.
Once the word got out the Opera House was putting on "Chicago," Wilmes said people wanted to be part of the show, asking to be a choreographer or be in the orchestra.
"There was a lot of buzz about it when the word got out," Wilmes said.
Nupen said the music from "Chicago" is just incredible.
"The choreography that goes with it is so sharp," Nupen said.
There are a few more songs in the stage show than the movie, cast members said.
"Everyone pitches in an does different songs," Ashley Vogt said."It's definitely a lot of work. Every number is such a big number. There are a lot of people to work with."
"It's coming together really well," said Sara Vogt, who plays the prison matron. "It's a great cast as well."
"There's more fun during the courtroom scene than the movie," Ashley Vogt said. "It should get a few laughs."