DHS Drama Brings the Razzle Dazzle with "Chicago: Teen Edition"

We hike Pulpit Rock for the views — and for the stories waiting at the top. Support Decorah News today. DECORAH —The roaring 1920s come to life this weekend as the Decorah High School Drama Program presents its fall musical, "Chicago: Teen Edition," Nov. 13–15, 2025, in the Decorah High School auditorium. Based on the hit Broadway musical by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, "Chicago: Teen Edition" offers a jazzy, fast-paced story filled with wit, charm and sharp social commentary. The production is adapted for younger audiences while retaining the show's famous humor and energy. Set in the glitzy, scandal-filled world of 1920s Chicago, the show follows two rival murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, as they navigate fame, fortune and the fickle world of public opinion with help from smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn. Senior Mikayla Hiner, portraying Roxie Hart, said the experience has been a highlight of her senior year. "I'm enjoying myself so much, and I love playing this role, especially opposite my best friend June as Velma," Hiner said. "I love creating stories and connections with the whole cast." June Breitenbach-Dirks, also a senior, co-stars as Velma Kelly. "This show is a commentary on today's society in some ways — how people are corrupt and will say anything to be famous and in the spotlight," Breitenbach-Dirks said. "It's my favorite show ever and a dream role. It's been such a cool experience." Junior Colin Thompson takes on the role of Amos Hart, Roxie's loyal husband. "My family is very musical, and I'm always wanting to get in on whatever drama or musical opportunities are available," Thompson said. "The work that the whole cast has put into this production is very important, and everyone is really putting their best foot forward for audiences." Playing the optimistic reporter Mary Sunshine is junior Grace Stockman, who said the stage feels like home. "I feel very comfortable and welcomed in an environment where my abilities can shine," she said. "Live theater is a great part of our culture." The cast includes Ariana Albert, Kenyon Bartels, Lulu Bellrichard, Olivia Blake, Kennedy Carlson, Spencer Christensen, Elsa Christman, Emma Cline, Nathaniel Crose, Brody Darling, Simone Downing, June Fassbinder, Marri Feuerhelm, Margaret Hahn, Ezra Harman-Wood, Caleb Johnson, Kaya Johnson, Klara Kelly, Claire Ko, Eva Kriemelmeyer, Kaelyn Kuhn, Nora Lesmeister, Jayden Lundtvedt, Lula McAbee, Violet Martinsen-Burrell, Harper Menke, Teagan Menke, Emma Neeble, Raelyn Newhouse, Clarence Nimrod, Leonard Nimrod, Noah Potvin, Simon Potvin, Olivia Rissman, Will Robinson, Vivian Searcy, Graham Torkelson, Jillian Volz, Autumn Wagner, Kaylie Wemark and Kylie Zoulek. The student production crew, led by stage manager Nathan Rhodes and assistant stage manager Isaac Bentley, includes Xavier Ahrndt, Ava Burreson, Andrew Carolan, Jaylyn Carson, Esme Cuevas, Zoe Gerber, Ava Hanson, Marley Harmening, Regine Hougen, Jackson Irwin, Asher Iverson, Nessa Kane, Charlotte LaBelle, Myla Leitz, Morgan Malo, Alexander Mercado-Arneson, Carlton Nordschow, Anna Severtson, Veda Shimek and Christian Volz. This DHS production is directed by Chris Hadley, Jason Rausch, Karen Trewin and Kristen Underwood. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a 1:30 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 15. Tickets are available online, at the high school office and at the auditorium box office one hour before each show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Stay informed, stay inspired! Newsletter sign up is free and join hundreds of free subscribers who rely on DecorahNews.com for trusted information and fresh perspectives.