News Summary
Jonesboro Public Schools has announced the revival of the musical ‘Chicago: Teen Edition,’ marking its third attempt to stage the performance. After previous cancellations due to licensing issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, the school is excited to provide students with an opportunity to shine on stage. Auditions are set to occur later this year, aiming to recruit talented and dedicated students for the production. Through community support and student talent, this revival is poised to create a memorable experience for everyone involved in the Jonesboro arts scene.
Jonesboro – Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of a musical, Jonesboro Public Schools has announced that it will revive “Chicago: Teen Edition” in 2026. The official announcement was made via the Jonesboro Public Schools Facebook page on August 7, 2025. This marks a significant moment for the school, as this will be the third attempt to stage this popular musical.
“Chicago: Teen Edition” is an adaptation by David Thompson that presents the iconic Broadway production by John Kander and Fred Ebb in a family-friendly format. The storyline centers around Roxie Hart, an ambitious character who, in her quest for fame, commits murder in 1920s Chicago. The musical captures the glitz and intrigue of the jazz age, complete with a strong cast and memorable songs.
The previous attempts to perform “Chicago” at Jonesboro High School (JHS) have faced challenges. The first was in 2005, which was halted due to licensing issues. The second attempt was imminent in 2020 when the pandemic led to a cancellation just as the cast and crew were deep into rehearsals, with much production already completed. The disappointment felt by the cast and crew during that time was significant, as they had invested countless hours preparing for the performance.
Choral director Krisie Holmes noted that students from the JHS were well-suited for their roles and ready to perform when the 2020 cancellation occurred. The success of this upcoming production has been bolstered by the realization that many of the current students possess strong skills and abilities that can translate well into their roles in “Chicago: Teen Edition.” Mallery Mitchell, the director of the JHS Theatre program, made the final decision to bring this musical back for performance based on the current talents observed among the students.
Auditions for the production are set to take place later this year, with a strong work ethic being one of the key qualities sought in cast members. The school aims to assemble a talented group that can navigate the unique challenges of staging a musical. While “Chicago: Teen Edition” is designed to tone down some mature themes from the original, certain scenes will still undergo modifications to ensure the performance is suitable for family audiences.
Holmes emphasized her hope that the students participating will feel a sense of pride and achievement after being given the opportunity to perform a production that has been attempted twice before. She believes that the community will rally behind the students by purchasing tickets and attending the shows, fostering an encouraging atmosphere for the performers. The community’s support has historically played a crucial role in the success of JHS theatrical productions, contributing to a vibrant school spirit and involvement.
With confidence in Mitchell’s directing capabilities, Holmes assures that the revival of “Chicago: Teen Edition” will provide a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved, from the cast and crew to the audience members. This production promises to blend talent, hard work, and community support, creating a significant cultural moment for Jonesboro as students take the stage once again.
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Additional Resources
- Jonesboro Right Now: “Chicago: Teen Edition” Performance Announcement
- Kait8: Jonesboro Man Sentenced
- Near Report: Jonesboro Vehicle Break-In Charges
- Wikipedia: Theatre
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Musical Theater
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