Lake County Theatre Co. prepares for fall ‘Chicago’ production
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
- Posted On
LAKEPORT, Calif. – When Lake County Theatre Co. in partnership with Mendocino College decided to bring Broadway’s hit musical, “Chicago,” to town no one realized how much undiscovered talent was waiting in the wings.
The show’s producers said the newcomers coming to the stage in the fall production have an astonishing level of talent.
Filling the role of Billy Flynn, a wily defense attorney who only takes notorious cases involving attractive, female murderesses, is Lake County newcomer, Jeff Pearce.
Pearce moved here in 2015 with his family. His day job is in real estate and his night job is as a bartender at the Blue Wing Saloon, but he is a man who belongs on stage.
Pearce began performing at age 7 in a Eureka children’s play. Since then he has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts at CSU Long Beach and starred in many shows.
“Chicago” is his first in Lake County. Pearce has a rich baritone singing voice that easily sways the 1920’s Chicago juries and will Razzle Dazzle the audience.
Choreographers, Larry and Zoe Richardson, and Sarah Dutra upped the ante on the dance floor for this spectacular jazz-infused production.
Although most of the show’s performers participate in some of the big dance numbers, the vaudeville dance acts are performed by a group of elite dancers.
Joining the Lake County Theatre Co. for the first time are Alisa Barnes, Leah Pabst and Leanna Schoeneman. They are supported by a very talented chorus of singers and dancers.
The musical “Chicago” is based on real events and people during the apex of the jazz age.
Authors Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse and John Kander used a play by the same name written by Maurine Watkins, and the trials of accused murderers Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner, to create the longest running musical in Broadway history.
Billy Flynn defends Velma Kelly, a vaudeville star played by Laura Sammel, and Roxie Hart, a naïve dancer, played by Laura Barnes.
Barnes has entertained the community for years. Some of her favorite roles have been “Janet” in the Rocky Horror Show and most recently, “Petruchio” in the Taming of the Shrew. Barnes, a schoolteacher, also directs the drama program at Lucerne Elementary School.
“It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to ignite a passion for the performing arts in the hearts of kids,” she said.
Last year’s musical “Oklahoma!” sold out so get your tickets early. Chicago will be performed at the Soper Reese Theatre Oct. 25 to 27, Nov. 1 to 3, and Nov. 7 to 10.
Tickets are available at the Lake County Theatre Co. Web site or call 707-278-9628.