ACT working out its moves for ‘Chicago’

ASPEN — Aspen Community Theatre (ACT) will hold a dance workshop and an acting workshop in advance of auditions for its fall musical, “Chicago.”

The dance workshop is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, with the acting workshop set for 7-9 p.m., Aug. 26. Both workshops will be at the Rio Grande Meeting Room in the former Youth Center building.

The workshops will be conducted by Marisa Post, who will be both director and choreographer of “Chicago.” The workshops are free, but advance registration is required. To register, call Carol Bayley at 920-3979.

Auditions for “Chicago” will be held at 6 p.m., Sept. 5, and at 10 a.m., Sept. 6, at the Aspen District Theatre. Those auditioning should bring a prepared song — not from “Chicago” — with sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. No prepared monologues are necessary.

Set in the Prohibition era, “Chicago” is a satire of the criminal justice system. The musical, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and choreography by Bob Fosse, premiered on Broadway in 1975. A film adaptation in 2002, starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere, earned an Academy Award for Best Picture.

Jody Hecht and Rita Hunter are co-producers of the ACT production, with David Dyer serving as musical director and conductor. The production crew is rounded out by set designer Tom Ward, costume designer Kathleen Albert, lighting designer Loren Wilder and sound designer Arman Boyles.

“Chicago” opens at the Aspen District Theatre Nov. 6, with performances through Nov. 16. Tickets will go on sale Oct. 1.

For further information on ACT, go to aspencommunitytheatre.com.