Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Aug. 7, 2025 – Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of a musical, a Jonesboro school is seeking to finish what it started.
The Jonesboro Public Schools Facebook page posted Monday that the Academies at Jonesboro High School will be performing the musical “Chicago: Teen Edition” in 2026.
“Chicago: Teen Edition,” adapted by David Thompson from the original production by John Kander and Fred Ebb, delivers a more family-friendly version of the Broadway classic. The story follows the ambitious and murderous Roxie Hart as she vies for fame in 1920s Chicago.
This will be the third time the school has attempted to bring the musical to the stage, with an attempt in 2005 stopped due to licensing issues. Then in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic came into play, forcing the school to shut down a second attempt at the musical.
Choral director Krisie Holmes said in 2020, cast and crew were in full rehearsals, and much of the production was complete. She said before the cancellation, everyone was looking forward to it.
“They [the students] fit their characters so beautifully. You couldn’t have had better kids for the characters. We were ready for the show week, and it just never happened,” she said.
The current students’ abilities were one of the reasons that led to the musical being brought back, Holmes said, with Mallery Mitchell, director of the JHS Theatre program, having the final word on the decision.
“The kids are already excited about it,” Holmes said. “She [Mitchell] was posting brackets on social media about who’s going to move to the next level and who’s going to move. That built up the hype around parents with the kids’ excitement.”
Holmes emphasized that this version of the production will be the same as the 2020 version. Even though “Chicago: Teen Edition” tones down the mature themes, she said there will be instances of scenes that they will still need to work around to ensure the production is family-friendly.
With auditions planned for later this year, Holmes said the one quality they are looking for in cast members is having a good work ethic.
“If a kid has work ethic, you can teach them if they’re willing to work and they’re directable. You can create any character out of them. You may not be able to dance, but that’s something that can be taught,” she said.
Holmes hopes the students in the 2026 production have pride and a sense of accomplishment, knowing that they are able to do a show that has been attempted two times previously.
“I hope they realize this is such a well-known story. This is a show that a lot of people go to New York or Chicago and watch. They will pick this show because they know the songs. I hope they really take it and lean into it seriously, and I fully believe they will,” she said.
With Mitchell acting as director, Holmes said she has faith in her abilities in keeping the productions going. She ensures that all the hard work will lead to a fun time for everyone.
“I can say this with confidence: They’re going to show up and support the kids. They’re going to buy the tickets and come,” Holmes said. “They’re going to come to see these shows, so I’m proud to say that, because I know they will.”
