EASTHAMPTON — “I’m gonna tell you the truth. Not that the truth really matters, but I’m gonna tell you anyway,” says Devin O’Brien, covered in tassels and sequins as she took to the stage as Roxie Hart during a dress rehearsal for Easthampton High School’s production of “Chicago” on Tuesday afternoon.

A favorite musical among many of the show’s performers, “Chicago” was a popular choice for the school’s spring musical. The show’s stage director and EHS’s Drama Club advisor Amy Pawlus said that the show was largely chosen for the themes it addresses. As a satire about murder and media taking place exactly 100 years ago in 1924, “Chicago” explores social commentary that is still relevant today.

“The show is really about manipulating the news to get certain messages across, which is something we still do today,” said Pawlus. “In a lot of ways, it’s an even bigger issue today with people using social media to push certain narratives and viewpoints.”

The story follows Roxie Hart, portrayed by junior drama club member O’Brien, who is an aspiring showgirl during the height of the Roaring 1920s, and will take any opportunity to rise to stardom. Even if it means cold-blooded murder. Roxie’s enterprising lawyer, Billy Flynn, portrayed by senior Sean Gagnon, is known for his masterful manipulation of the media in cases like these — bringing convicts off death row and into the spotlight.

But for 12 of the show’s performers, this will be the last time in the spotlight as part of the high school Drama Club.

“There are 12 seniors involved, which is a lot for a school of around 400 people,” said Pawlus. “There’s a lot of dedication among all of us to make this show a great one, since so many will be graduating this year.”

One of those seniors is Ava Stuart, who is portraying Velma Kelly in this spring’s musical.

“This is my 14th production with the drama club, and my last one,” she says. “It’s been a really special experience, and it’s definitely bittersweet.”

O’Brien, the show’s lead, still has another year to perform on Easthampton’s stage, but has been touched by the efforts of her instructors and classmates throughout her “Chicago” experience.

“This show in particular has a really special magic to it. It’s just so glamorous, and there’s been this extra level of dedication since it’s the last show for so many of my classmates,” she said. “The amount of support and passion that has gone into creating this is honestly beyond words.”

Gagnon, who will be graduating after this performance, echoed this sentiment.

“There’s been definitely more of an edge to all of us while putting this show together. We’re all very determined to make this work,” he said.

“This group — we really all consider each other family, and it shows when we’re on stage together.”

Community members are invited to come to Easthampton High and view this display of glittering costumes, energetic dancing, and striking vocals when “Chicago” opens Thursday at 6 p.m. The show will also run on Friday and Saturday, at 7 p.m. both nights, and on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and are available for purchase at ehsdrama.org.

This production is rated PG-13 due to its satirical nature and content which may be unsuitable for some viewers.

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.