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Media Relations

"A Chorus Line" to close Lee Norville Theatre and Drama Center season

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- In the 90 years that the Pulitzer Prize for Drama has been awarded, only a handful of musicals have received the prestigious award. When Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban's A Chorus Line first danced its way onto the Broadway stage in 1975, it immediately became apparent that it deserved to join that list. Under the master hand of director/choreographer Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line redefined what musical theater could be. As the New York Times said, "A Chorus Line is the musical that changed musicals."

Now this beloved piece comes to the stage of the Ruth N. Halls Theatre on the Indiana University Bloomington campus, closing out a successful 2005-2006 season. A Chorus Line opens Friday, April 14, with additional performances on April 15 and April 17 through 22, all at 7:30 p.m.

A Chorus Line follows the travails of a group of dancers struggling to secure a select number of spots in the dance chorus of a Broadway production. Based on Bennett's real life experiences interviewing dancers, each performer tells his or her personal story through song and dance. From the dancers seeking refuge at ballet class from their parents' explosive marriages, to the young man convinced that "If George Hamilton can be a movie star, then I can be a movie star," to the aging dancer hoping for one last shot on the line, A Chorus Line never shies away from the difficulties and struggles inherent in the life of a Broadway gypsy. Instead, it balances the harsh truth with joyous comedy, intricate choreography and memorable melodies ("One," "What I Did For Love," "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three.")

Director/choreographer George Pinney (Broadway's Blast!, IU's Bat Boy, the Brown County Playhouse's Forever Plaid) helms this production, the second time he has staged the Hamlisch/Kleban classic. He initially directed the show 17 years ago, in his first year at IU. Several members of that cast have gone on to successful musical theater careers in New York and as members of national and international touring companies. Pinney believes that this cast has similar "huge, huge potential" for success.

When asked why he wanted to tackle A Chorus Line again, Pinney -- who was nominated for a Tony Award in 2001 for his choreography of Blast! -- immediately pointed to the talented group of students at his fingertips. He said he selects his shows based on the needs of his students, adding that A Chorus Line "is the triple threat production. Everyone must dance, must act [and] must sing. I think for a really outstanding production, you have to have triple threats, and in our current student population there are a lot of people who are verging on triple threats. All of the talent and potential is here, so the time is ripe to do it."

Among the featured members of the cast are Jesse Bernath (Falsettos, Bat Boy) as Zach, Rebecca Faulkenberry (Pal Joey, Bat Boy) as Cassie, Mallorie Fletcher (Pal Joey, Bat Boy) as Val, and Gerold Schroeder (Pal Joey) as Paul. They are joined by 27 additional IU undergraduates, including many experienced musical theater veterans, in this quintessential ensemble piece.

Musical direction is by School of Music graduate students J. Adam Burnette and Courtney Crouse (Mrs. Gibbs in the recent opera premiere of Our Town). Scenic design is by M.F.A. student Gordon R. Strain (Arcadia, Dracula). Costume design is by M.F.A. student Katherine N. Garlick (Arcadia, Happy Birthday, Wanda June). Lighting design is by M.F.A. student Ryan Davies (Arcadia, Bat Boy) in his thesis production.

NOTE: A Chorus Line opens on Friday, April 14, with additional performances on April 15 and 17 tthrough 22. Performances will take place in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre, and all performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $17 for adults and $14 for students and seniors (discounts Monday-Thursday only). "Student Rush" tickets are available 30 minutes before every performance; students with a valid IU I.D. may purchase any available tickets for $10 cash. Group prices are available. For ticket information, call 812-855-1103 and ask for info about Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center tickets. To purchase tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 812-333-9955 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit http://theatre.indiana.edu.

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