Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth theatre proudly presents Chicago: High School Edition. Directed by Teri Grimes, this BAAY Pro production showcases talented performers ages 14-17, many of which have received extensive musical theatre, dance, and vocal training through BAAY programs and elsewhere. Chicago follows the story of two performers convicted of murder — Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly — as they vie for the spotlight, the headlines, and acquittal. This musical is based on a 1926 play written by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about the real life criminals she reported on. It features vaudevillian razzle dazzle with a satirical edge as it explores the concept of the "celebrity criminal.” On September 8, the cast will give a special Dinner Theatre performance. This roaring 20’s-themed fundraiser will include food donated by local restaurants, beer and wine, specialty cocktails, and dancing! All proceeds will help further BAAY’s mission to enrich the lives of children through the exploration of the arts. Seating is limited for the Chicago Dinner Theatre, so reserve your tickets early at baay.org. All performances take place at The BAAY Theatre, 1059 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225. Tickets are $12 at the door or online at baay.org. Dates and showtimes are as follows: Friday, August 31, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 1 at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 2 at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, September 8 at 7:00 p.m. — special Dinner Theatre performance Sunday, September 9 at 2:00 p.m. Founded in 2006, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth is a nonprofit arts education organization that offers quality instruction in theater, choir, dance, music, and visual arts to youth, ages 5-17. A beloved fixture in Bellingham's thriving arts community, the organization has produced over 100 musicals to date. In addition, BAAY strives to reach new members of the community through its other two branches: the BAAY Preschool (baay.org/preschool) and the BAAY EduArts enrichment program (baay.org/eduarts), which offers over 20 arts classes per quarter to elementary students throughout Whatcom County.