You were taught the difference between right and wrong as a child. You grew up with a moral compass that helped you easily separate acts of good and evil. So prepare yourself for a flip in perspective. Allow the lines to blur. Stand comfortably in the hazy area of gray. Because in this world, anything goes. And in this city, “murder is entertainment.”

Director K. Sandy O’Brien has brought the Tony award-winning musical “Chicago” to Oak Harbor for the Whidbey Playhouse’s 44th season. “Chicago” is the story of the seductive murderess Roxie Hart (played by Gail Liston) who kills her lover and tries to pin the blame on her dopey, yet lovable, husband Amos. When her alibi goes awry, she’s sent to jail where she meets a troop of vivacious villains, a leather-clad matron and none-other than the headline grabbing, two-time killer Velma Kelly (played by Allenda Yvonne Jackson Jenkins) who teaches Roxie that fame is her only way out.

The stage remains nearly empty and black throughout the entirety of play, and yet the audience still feels pulled into the center of 1920s Chicago. The mood is set by over-the-top costumes, reds, blacks, sequins and glitter.

O’Brien said she tweaked the original play to better suit the island audience, but tried to push the audience’s limits at the same time.

“I like stage work because it’s live and it’s in your face,” she said.

“Chicago” is definitely that. The musical numbers are captivating, the writing is witty and the cast members all seem to have that extra pizzazz that enables them to “razzle dazzle” the audience.

“The actors are the show; they’re all like this,” assistant director Suzanne Maris said while bopping up and down and making overly exaggerated jazz hands. “We couldn’t ask for better people.”

It may seem a little strange to root for vengeful killers, but for those willing to behave badly for a few hours and get lost in the madness, “Chicago” is a can’t miss.

The play targets an older audience, as most of the jokes are sexual in nature or poke fun at the power of the press in America.

It’s obvious that each detail in the production was thoughtfully planned out from the lighting cues down to the fishnets.

Actress Tara Hizon plays one of the murderess dancers. She seemed to describe the cast’s go-for-it enthusiasm and dedication to dancing best.

As she pointed out, “The play hasn’t even opened yet and already each of has gone through like six pairs pantyhose.”

“Chicago” opens at the playhouse on Sept. 10 and closes Oct. 3. Ticket and showtime information can be found at www.whidbeyplayhouse.com.