The students on the stage, the students working behind the scenes, and the students playing in the musical pit wowed the audience with the talented capabilities. With a cast and crew of over 150 students, the shows went off without a hitch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

Jeffrey Huls, the Director of the show, always wanted to produce a musical that featured dance. Huls said he momentarily thought about doing Cats but ultimately decided to go with CHICAGO. Huls knew that he had the female and male student talent that could both sing and dance well enough to do justice to the musical.

The student actors did more than justice to the numbers they performed. They danced and sang their way into our hearts and allowed us to suspend reality for a few hours and enjoy the theatrical experience.

For the uninitiated, CHICAGO, is the story of two women, Roxie and Velma, who have committed crimes and find themselves in prison. While the women yearn for fame and fortune, they have to somehow get back outside to the real world.

Enter, Billy, the corrupt lawyer. Billy promises that he can get Roxie released by manipulating society through the use of the newspaper media. While he ultimately gets Roxie released from prison, his plan fails because Roxie’s trial is eclipsed by yet another sensational murder that consumes the public’s interest.

If you’re a fan of CHICAGO, a fan of community theatre, or just want to see the many talented students at Santa Monica High School, there is still time to see the show. There are three more performances this weekend. You can purchase tickets by clicking this link.

On March 7 and March 8th, the show begins at 7:00 pm PST. On March 9th, the final show time is 3 pm PST.

Some content courtesy of SMMUSD, The New York Theatre Guide, Youtube and Wikipedia. This post is proudly sponsored by:

At approximately 11:00 am that morning, the fire began in the coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades. According to the Washington Post, the winds reached 90 MPH. Within hours the fire had consumed 10,000 acres and burned hundreds of homes. As the fire burnt overnight, the burn area would encompass more than 20,000 acres. The fire consumed and demolished an estimated 1,200 homes and commercial businesses and has caused an estimated U$D 250 billion in damage.

Several hours after the Pacific Palisades fire ignited, another firestorm erupted in Eaton, California – an incorporated city near Pasadena. This fire burnt overnight and more than 100,000 people were under orders to evacuate.

Fire Departments across California joined together and fought the blazes. According to Mayor Karen Bass’ office, as of today, the fire in Pacific Palisades is 75% contained and the Eaton fire is 95% contained.

But, the damage will be felt for years to come as government officials grapple with the loss of life, the displacement of 10’s of thousands of people, the financial loss, and the environmental impact.

CORE, Community Organized Relief Effort, will hold a live telethon today beginning at 9:00 am PDT. CORE, an non-profit organization has already raised over U$D 1 million that will be used to benefit impacted people and first responders, including the Los Angeles Fire Department and The California Fire Foundation.

So many people have been impacted by this tragedy. That is why actors, such as Josh Brolin and Internet talent and gamer, Jacksepticeye, have donated both time and money to help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Watch the LIVE Telethon here:

You can help make a difference to the lives of the people affected by this tragedy. Please visit the CORE Website and make a direct donation.

Some content courtesy of CORE, The Washington Post, USA Today, LAFD, The California Fire Foundation, YouTube, and the La Canada Flintridge FD.