News Hub

MARCH 9, 2026—The Pal-Mac High School Drama Club razzled and dazzled their way to four spectacular performances of "Chicago:Teen Edition" over the course of the last few days.

The satirical teen-centric spin on the classic Broadway show covered everything from fame, fortune, and corruption.

The shows started last Thursday afternoon with the annual free senior citizen performance, which welcomed a crowd of more than 250 community members.

Among those in attendance was former Pal-Mac High School Music Director Joan Nimeh (formerly Humphrey), who taught at the school from 1963-1966. Thursday was the first time she entered the building since the 60s.

"It was outstanding, and nostalgic," Nimeh said. "And frankly, the quality of the production is just mind-boggling and wonderful."

The talented cast then put on two more exciting shows on Friday and Saturday night before ending its run Sunday afternoon.

Seniors Havana Sullivan, Tyler Dranichak, and Payton Cotterman led the ensemble in their final shows. The three also appeared on 13WHAM ABC earlier in the week alongside co-stars Evalee Mclelland and Isaac Ubbink to promote the show.

Each show featured a large pit orchestra headed by High School Band Director Emily Herrmann, with notable pit members Middle School Band Director Liz Kockler, and 1992 Pal-Mac graduate Heather Trapiss, among others.

The two level set designed by Technical Theater Design Director Doug Blackall, and his student crew led by Stage Manager Edwin Frick, featured a stunning light display with close to 400 individually controllable LED lights across the stage.

"I continue to be humbled and honored to work with such an amazing team of students," said Theater Director Kimberly Day "Their enthusiasm, curiosity, passion, drive, and talents astound me. Working with them is a dream."

A full photo gallery from the show can be found by clicking here. Special thanks to Board of Education (BOE) member Amy Boesel and High School Science Teacher Joe Perry for contributing photos.

A full cast and crew rundown is below.

CAST

MC	Josh Hooper
Dance Ensemble/Ensemble 2	Daisy Jones
Velma	Evalee McClelland
Ensemble #3/Dance Ensemble/Female Swing	Alana Rease
Ensemble#4, #5, #7/Dance Ensemble	Addie Israel
Ensemble #6 /Womens Ensemble	Charlie Ike
Liz/Dance Ensemble	Aine Denniston
Annie/Dance Ensemble	Grace Penkaty
June/Dance Ensemble	Roslie Rea
Hunyak/Dance Ensemble	Alise Vjakse
Mona/Dance Ensemble	Sydney Cole
Fred/ Harry/Mens Ensemble	Cormac Denniston
Roxie	Havana Sullivan
Amos	Isaac Ubbink
Fogarty	Clifford Lofgren
Matron "Mama" Morton	Payton Cotterman
Women's Ensemble	Emily Kulp, Hannah Shoots, Charlie Ike, Ilana Dano, Zooey Graham, Zoey Michalski, Olivia Steinruck
Men's Ensemble	Austin Ryder, Cormac Denniston, Clifford Lofgren, Josh Hooper, Connor Brown, Myleek McDonald
Billy Flynn	Tyler Dranichak
Mary Sunshine	Alaina Brown
Judge/Men's Ensemble	Austin Ryder

PRODUCTION CREW

Scenic Design, Set Construction, Set Painting	Technical Theatre Classes 1&3
Stage Manager	Eddie Frick
Assistant Technical Director	Evelyn Saccone
Assistant Stage Manager	Nella McFarlane
Assistant Stage Manager/Production Assistant	Oscar Lofgren
Lighting Design	Annabelle Kelly, Addie Israel
Light Board Operator	Kyleigh Murray
Scenic Electrical Light Operator	Celeste Wesley
Sound Designer	Kacey Bray
Sound Board Operator	Annabelle Kelly
Deck Crew	Sarah George, Alex Rease, Sarah Paul, Nikki Pompeii, Alexis Richardville, Bryson Olsen, Hanna Robinson, Des Guilliams
Turntable Captain	Billy Friedman
Turntable Operators	Isaac Grecco, Declan Neal
Spotlight Operator	Danny Budziszewski
Props Coordinators	Payton Cotterman, Addie Israel

 

ADULT PRODUCTION TEAM

Director	Kimberly Day
Vocal Director	Katherine Tichenor
Pit Director	Emily Herrmann
Technical Director	Doug Blackall
Set Construction & Painting	Ally Stupin (along with Mr. Blackall)
Costumer	Kasi L. Krenzer Marshall
Costume Crew	Katy Sullivan, Kate Stevenson
Costume Assistant	Leesa Israel
Makeup Design	Beth Maldonado
Hair Design	Emily Panipinto
House Manager	Eric Israel
Photographers	Amy Bosel, Drew Hyman, Joe Perry
Proscenium Light Consultant	Jeff Cheramie, John Pioli
Production Safety Officer	John Colella

 

PIT ORCHESTRA

Piano	Tony Collie, Scott Parker
Violin	Julia Forrest
Reeds	Gina Mussumeci, Dave Shemancik, Heather Trapiss
Trumpets	Liz Kockler, Kevin McLaud
Trombone	Scott Quinlan, Sam Regan
Tuba	Chris Herrmann
Banjo	Michael Wahl
Drums	Michael Witkiewitz