The Ruby & All That Jazz

Student theater group Hoof ‘n’ Horn debuts “Chicago” in Duke’s new arts space

By Duke University

April 18^th, 2018

Check out the second run of Chicago this weekend

PHOTOS BY JARED LAZARUS, VIDEOS PRODUCED BY JONATHAN LEE & JULIE SCHOONMAKER/OFFICE OF NEWS & COMMUNICATIONS

STORY BY JULIA MEDINE/PRESIDENT OF HOOF ‘N’ HORN

Hoof ‘n’ Horn is the oldest student-run musical theater organization in the South. At 81 years old, we were chosen to perform the first student production in the von der Heyden Studio Theater of the Rubenstein Arts Center. Student groups are the lifeblood of universities. They let us create and collaborate on work that matters to us. They foster camaraderie and flourishing in ways that institutional systems cannot. Hoof ‘n’ Horn is this lifeblood—this unseen, peculiar spirit that has impacted Duke since 1936.

Hoof ‘n’ Horn is part of a growing campuswide arts culture at Duke. With the opening of the Rubenstein Arts Center, the university is elevating student groups and connecting them with valuable resources. We are a part of this artistic renaissance, this tangible commitment to the creation of student work. We want to be at its forefront.

From left, Rebekah Wellons, Elizabeth Ratliff, Jair Oballe and Lulla Kiwinda rehearse a song together.

Tori Trimm, playing the part of Velma Kelly, memorizes lines during rehearsal.

Jair Oballe, foreground, and cast members practice tricks for the musical number, "Razzle Dazzle."

Cast members enjoy Tim Clayton's performance of "Cellophane" during rehearsal.

Tori Trimm, as Velma Kelly, rehearses "I Can't Do It Alone."

Cole Jenson, as Billy Flynn, and Betsy Broaddus, as Roxie Hart, share a laugh while rehearsing a scene.

Tori Trimm, as Velma Kelly, is lifted by the ensemble boys during "Velma Takes the Stand."

Ensemble rehearses the musical number, "Razzle Dazzle."

Our 50-person cast and crew crowds into the von der Heyden and begins to piece together this monster of a show. We are singing, dancing, and acting, tumbling, jumping, and flipping. But we are also in the business of building relationships. We want the audience to believe what they see on stage, which requires us to present our work truthfully. That requires trust, love, support, and admiration.

Betsy Broaddus, foreground left, as Roxie Hart, and Tori Trimm, as Velma Kelly, and ensemble rehearse the show's finale.

Company warms up with Alexus Wells, assistant choreographer, and Sonali Mehta, assistant director, on opening night.

As we prepare to put this production in front of an audience, we are nervous. Our directors and producers hype us up, and then focus us in. Our technical staff runs cues, while our pit orchestra practices entrances. Nervousness and excitement permeate the atmosphere, as the reality of our position sets in. The joy of this show is in the performance of it. The shared connection between performer and viewer. The gift of an audience member’s participation. The magnetism of Bob Fosse movement. We’re ready to go.

From left, Lauren Hale (Mary Sunshine), Liv Neely (ensemble), and Savannah Lynn (ensemble) do hair and makeup before the show.

Cast members peak on from the orchestra pit where Gaby McDonald and Matt Tedesco play.

Peter Laboy Jr. operates the light board for the show.

Sam Jackson, left, Music Director, talks with chellist Taylor Fistel in the orchestra pit.

John Coyne, sound board operator, checks each cast member's voice levels before the show.

Chandler Richards, hair and makeup artist, operates one of the spotlights during the show.

Patrons enter the Rubenstein Arts Center on opening night.

Opening night. Our energy is through the roof. We immerse ourselves in the space, soaking up every moment. We’re endlessly happy, and in awe of the sold out crowd in front of us. They cheer for us as we portray murderers, liars, and crooks. They laugh as we sensationalize dark, resonant themes. They are with us all the way.

“Give ’em the old razzle dazzle. Razzle razzle ’em. Give ’em an act with lots of flash in it and the reaction will be passionate,” Billy Flynn in “Razzle Dazzle”