Ovation Theatre's razzle-dazzle thrills audience with 'Chicago'

Lakewood Ranch performers were among those to land key roles in the production of "Chicago."

By Liz Ramos
| 8:00 a.m. April 23, 2023

The cast strikes a final pose after performing "All I Care About is Love."

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Lakewood Ranch's Emma Mandzik's dazzled the audience April 22 with her portrayal of Velma Kelly in the teen edition of "Chicago."

Mandzik was among one of Ovation Theatre's two casts performing "Chicago."

"This has always been a dream role of mine, so I'm excited to finally to get to do it, especially (at Ovation) because I've been here for 10 years," she said.

Mandzik's favorite song to perform was her solo, "I Can't Do it Alone."

"It's one of the hardest numbers I've ever done in my career," she said. "It's so fun when you finally get the turn and the kick and it's all nailed."

Lakewood Ranch's Isabella Vizcaino and Lara Zoppe were thrilled to portray Annie and Mona, respectively, in the iconic "Cell Block Tango."

"I wasn't expecting to get a role," Zoppe said. "I thought I was just going to be in the ensemble. I didn't think I would actually be one of the murderesses, so it's cool that I have this opportunity because this is my first breakout role."

Isaiah Yates and Eduardo Zoppe hold up Emma Mandzik, who is portraying Velma Kelly, in the opening number of the teen edition of "Chicago."

Lakewood Ranch's Emma Mandzik portrays Velma Kelly, which she says is a dream role of hers.

Madelyn Benner makes her debut as Roxie Hart during Ovation Musical Theatre's production of the teen edition of "Chicago."

Ethan Benner plays a policeman listening to Sawyer Girgis, who plays Amos Hart, answer questions from Allison Kieffer, who portrays Sergeant Fogerty.

Avery Clough portrays, Liz, who is one of the murderesses in "Cell Block Tango."

Lakewood Ranch's Isabella Vizcaino has fun performing with her friends as one of the murderesses in "Cell Block Tango."

Lakewood Ranch's Lara Zoppe loves playing Mona, one of the murderesses, in "Cell Block Tango."

Lara Zoppe, Avery Clough, Isabella Vizcaino, Emma Mandzik, Olivia Yates and Morgan Kessler play the murderesses in "Cell Block Tango."

Olivia Holden belts out a note as Mama Morton.

Alan Khusniyarov brings the charisma of Billy Flynn to the stage.

The cast strikes a final pose after performing "All I Care About is Love."

Madelyn Benner, as Roxie Hart, acts like a puppet being controlled by Alan Khusniyarov, who is playing Billy Flynn.

Sawyer Girgis, Ethan Benner, Isaiah Yates and Jezlynn Maldonado hold up Madelyn Benner, who is playing Roxie Hart, while performing "Roxie."

Madelyn Benner performs "Me and My Baby" as Roxie Hart.

Reporters follow Roxie, who is played by Madelyn Benner, around to report on the news of Roxie having a baby.

Sawyer Girgis makes the audience laugh during his performance as Amos Hart while singing "Mr. Cellophane."

Morgan Kessler captivates the audience with her ballet as Hunyak, a murderess who always claimed she was not guilty.

Ethan Benner plays the razzle ring leader during "Razzle Dazzle."

Alan Khusniyarov puts on the razzle dazzle as Billy Flynn.

Ethan Benner plays Fred Casely, who had an affair with Roxie, who is portrayed by Madelyn Benner.

Eduardo Zoppe, Madelyn Benner and Isaiah Yates perform "Nowadays."

Madelyn Benner, as Roxie, shows off her dance skills in "Hot Honey Rag."

Emma Mandzik and Madelyn Benner strike their final pose as Velma Kelly and Roxie in "Chicago."

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.