Though the original production of “Chicago” is not appropriate for young viewers, Director and Drama Club Advisor Ericka Conklin was enthusiastic about the changes made for the teen edition of this classic musical experience.

Some of the changes to the show include changes and full cuts to certain songs, and an overhaul of the theme of the general plotline. The Merry Murderesses in particular have been changed up slightly to emulate social media or criminal personalities.

“Fame continues to be really important — particularly to young people. This show displays the consequences of that. I’m excited for people to see how this is different from the regular production, and for them to see what the students — particularly the ‘Merry Murderesses’ — have brought out from the text,” said Conklin.

Concord, the licensing agency behind this version of the show, will not license the full version of “Chicago” to high schools or educational programs.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS The cast of “Chicago: Teen Edition” is pictured. The show will be running from April 4-6, with show times varying.

“I think that level of safeguarding for (students) while still letting them work on really classic musical theater is great,” said Conklin.

“This production has been really fun. Chicago is a dance-heavy show and it has been great to get into a different genre of musical. We’re no longer in the contemporary musical theater world. We’re definitely playing in the 1920s Vaudeville-Jazz space,” she continued.

The cast features Claire Bowman as Velma Kelly, Kathryn Farrall as Roxie Hart, Seth Geyer as Billy Flynn, Thomas Geyer as Amos Hart, McKenna Gray as Mama Morton, Chloe Corbin as Pop, Sarah Long as Six, Kelly Corbin as Squish, Kaylin Mann as Uh-Uh, Audra Eaton as Lipshitz and Victoria Guthrie as Mary Sunshine. Ensemble includes Connor Kleckner, James Turner, Cecilia Flaherty, Annalise Brungart, Joslyn Krout and Adalind Parker.

The crew who bring the stage to life includes Michael Mantie, Christiana Gladden, Dakota Barker, Zoe McElroy, Ella Hamilton and Margaret Allen.

Bowman spoke about the challenge of playing Velma.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS The Merry Murderesses of Cook County Jail pose for a photo together.

“I am very bubbly and (Velma) is very sly and calculating,” said Bowman, “Every move is part of her playbook, her scheme. She’s incredibly powerful even without talking, which is where I often find my strengths. She’s a challenge. She’s harsh and angry which is incredibly fun to play.”

Bowman, a senior this year, has been involved with drama club since her freshman year, and is the only remaining active member who has played in “Charlie Brown.” She’s participated in five productions — four musicals and one play.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be the vice president. We’ve got some really cool improvements this year. (The club) has served me well, and I’ve hopefully served it well,” said Bowman.

Gray, who is also a senior this year, is the president of the drama club.

“I have enjoyed my time in drama club a lot. I’ve made some of my greatest friends here and learned some good life skills. I’ve taught myself to sew for this club — I’ve learned so many things,” said Gray.

She was excited about “Chicago: Teen Edition” being her last show, and Gray was eager to discuss the intricacies of the character she plays. Mama Morton is a role very different to the roles Gray has played previously.

“This is the first time I’ve had a role where I get to be someone who is a little more similar to myself. I get to sing a more powerful vocal part than normal. I’m unofficially the mom of our club at this point — not self proclaimed. It’s been really lovely to be able to work with some of my really good friends and have a lead role in my last show,” she said.

Seth Geyer, a junior, has been active in the drama club for multiple years and plays to stay active until he graduates.

“I’ve learned a lot from being in this club outside of acting. It’s really great to be a part of something special, and I think (drama club) is sacred,” said Geyer.

He has played many characters during his time in the club, but spoke about the challenge of this role.

“I play Billy Flynn (in Chicago), (he) is a smooth-talking, charismatic lawyer who knows how to work the system to his advantage. He uses wit and charm to manipulate situations and people around him. His character plays with the idea of morality — showing that he is more interested in money and winning cases than in justice itself. It’s been a challenge to embody both the allure and the darker side of fame and ambition,” said Geyer.

Kleckner, also a junior, was the light team lead and light designer for the production, and also played in the ensemble as Fred Casely.

“I’m only Fred Casely for a tiny bit, but he’s just looking to have a fun time and ends up in a really bad situation. I’ve had a blast (in drama club) and they still have one more year with me — they can’t get rid of me that soon,” he said.

With being the light team lead, Kleckner worked behind the scenes to bring the show to life through lighting cues.

“I’ve gotten many opportunities to work alongside our director Erika with the lighting board. She let me design the lights for Chicago which gives me the experience I need for musical theater out in the real world. I give her so much gratitude. You have a vision of what you think it should look like, and then you put it in the system,” said Kleckner.

Farrall plays the daring dreamer Roxie Hart, a role she describes as ‘misunderstood.’

“A lot of people (think she’s) an annoying character. But she’s just a girl who has dreams and doesn’t know the best way to execute them. She has to learn along the way how to survive in a world that she’s not used to. It’s really inspiring — she does whatever she has to do to have the best life she can think of for herself. She never gives up. I hope (everyone) comes to the show. It’s going to be great,” said Farrell.

When asked about her time in drama club, Farrell stressed the importance of drama club in her life.

“It’s become my second home and everyone here has become a second family to me. I’ve learned how to connect with other people emotionally — no one talks about how much empathy acting takes. To be able to connect with the people on stage and grow relationships. I couldn’t imagine another place that would teach me to do that so well,” she said.

You can watch this cast perform “Chicago” on the following dates and times:

— April 4 at 7 p.m.

— April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

— April 6 at 2 p.m.

“It’s going to be a great time and I hope lots of people come out for it,” said Conklin.

You can purchase tickets ahead of time by going to sfnd.io/Chicago-at-CMHS.

Check out the Drama Club’s social media as well for updates. They post on Facebook, at Central Mountain High School Drama Club and on Instagram @cmhsdramaclub.