Kacie Kirkpatrick brings “Chicago” to WHS stage
There will be three performances: Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The musical “Chicago” will be performed at Watertown High three times this weekend: Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m.
February 28, 2020
Though Kacie Kirkpatrick only recently started running the drama department at Watertown High School last year, she has already brought big changes.
She has already introduced two new drama classes, both of which are a hit already and running overcapacity — all while also working as a Special Ed teacher at WHS. And this weekend, she will be directing the musical “Chicago” as it debuts on the WHS stage.
There will be three performances in the WHS auditorium: Friday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 29, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
In her role as drama teacher, she has big plans for the future of the department.
“I hope that the drama program gets bigger and better and gets more acclimated through the school and community because we have such talent,” she said.
These ideas for the future of the drama department help to get students excited.
Yeraz Kaligian said she wanted to join the drama department because of Ms. K.
“I’ve always loved theater and I really wanted to work with Ms. K even though I had never met her I thought she would be so good,” said Yeraz.
This quote speaks to the new life Ms. K is bringing into the drama department and drawing people in.
The rehearsals for “Chicago” have been happening since early December. The story follows two women — Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly — who are both in prison for murder as they go to trial and fight for fame. It has been on Broadway twice it was originally in London’s West End.
The banner, painted by Andrea McAdams, hangs near the center stairwell.
Dan Wulf, who is head of the math department, is music directing. Nick Panagiotou, who choreographed last year’s musical “Urinetown,” is choreographing again.
The two leads are being played by seniors Yeraz Kaligian (Roxie) and Toni Carton (Velma).
“ ‘Chicago,’ to us, is about embracing and weaponizing our femininity and encouraging other women to do the same,” said Yeraz.
As to why she chose “Chicago,” Ms. K said, “I chose it because we are lucky enough this year to have some pretty awesome dancers and some very strong female performers and ‘Chicago,’ in my opinion has a lot of opportunities to showcase strong women and I thought it would be perfect.”
The entire show has been put together by tons of students, ranging from freshmen to seniors — with a strong senior presence. Everyone working on this show seems extremely excited and ready to put on this show.
As for “Chicago,” Ms. K said, “I’m not worried about anything in this show cause I’m so grateful to have such talented young performers and capable design team.
“I’m really excited for the community of Watertown to see the talent of these performers.”
–Feb. 27, 2020–
