One of the longest-running musicals in Broadway history, “A Chorus Line,” returns to The Phoenix Theatre Company for the first time in nearly 20 years. The legendary musical will be on stage in Central Phoenix April 5 through May 14, 2023.
Premiering on Broadway in 1975, “A Chorus Line,” follows 17 would-be dancers in their quest to make the chorus, or ensemble, for a new Broadway show. Set on an unadorned stage, “A Chorus Line” takes the audience through the ups and downs of auditioning for Broadway. By the end of the show, only eight dancers remain.
“’A Chorus Line’ exemplifies how whole-heartedly performers delve into their craft,” said Jeff Whiting, the show’s director for The Phoenix Theatre Company. “It is a difficult and trying business full of gut-wrenching disappointment and sacrifice, but artists are willing to put their hearts on the line to tell terrific stories. This show is really a musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line to make it come true.”
As the dancers compete for the final spots in the ensemble, the audience learns about their personal lives, the struggles they’ve endured, the decisions that led them to become dancers, and the hopes and dreams they fight for every day. The dancers are experiencing different challenges, physical and mental, but they all have the end goal in common. They sing about it all in the musical’s iconic songs, including “I Hope I Get It,” “The Music and the Mirror,” “One,” and “I Can Do That.”
“In the last few years, audiences and theatres have developed an even greater appreciation for swing cast members and understudies,” Whiting added. “They are the unsung heroes that jumped in and kept the stages full during the global pandemic and in the aftermath. The role of these cast members in a musical production cannot be overstated and ‘A Chorus Line’ celebrates their contributions.”
With music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante, “A Chorus Line” premiered as a box office and critical hit. It held the record as the longest running show on Broadway for 15 years (1975-1990) until “Cats” surpassed it. The show received nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreographer, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The Phoenix Theatre Company cast includes Ryan Ardelt as Mike; Daniel Bargen as Swing; Shani Barrett* as Sheila; Elyssa Blonder as Swing; Brandon Brown as Mark; Dallyn Brunck as Swing; Jacody Bullard as Frank/Dance Captain, Swing; Natalie Carrera as Vicky, Swing; Abbi Cavanaugh as Judy; Michael Charles as Roger; Lucas Coatney-Murrieta* as Bobby; Cameron Edris* as Don; Megan Elyse Fulmer* as Diana; Alexandra Garcia as Val; Marquise Hitchcock* as Butch, Swing; Morgan Faith Jackson as Bebe; Albert Johnston as Al; Katie Jurich as Kristine; Madeline Kendall as Tricia, Swing; Michelle Lemon as Swing; Aidan Lutton as Larry; Ben Massouras as Swing; Zummy Mohammed* as Gregory; Carmiña Monserrat as Maggie; Kayden Oliver as Roy; Daniel Powers* as Paul; Justine Rappaport as Connie; Rob Watson as Zach; and Sarah Wiechman as Cassie*.
Due to content, this play is suggested for mature audiences only. The show contains adult situations and language and is not recommended for children.
Tickets for “A Chorus Line” are on sale now and start at $50.
Select Mask Required Performances
To provide a production to those who would feel more comfortable in a fully masked environment, we have designated a select upcoming performance of “A Chorus Line” as “Mask Required,” on April 29, 2023, at 2 p.m.
During these performances, masks will be required for all patrons and staff in our lobbies and theatres unless actively eating/drinking. Food and drinks will be allowed in the theatre. We ask that the mask be placed back on between bites or sips. Proof of vaccination and temperature checks will not be required.
ASL/Audio Describe Night
Audio Description and American Sign Language Interpretation are available for each production. ASL/Audio Describe Night for “A Chorus Line” is Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 7 p.m.
*Denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.
The Phoenix Theatre Company is not only the largest professional regional theatre company in the state, with nearly 500 performances each year on multiple stages, but it’s also the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District. Committed to advancing the performing arts in the Valley, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences that inspire hope and understanding.
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