By Jack Meyers '27
After the successful run of Les Miserables in the Inserra Theater, SJR performing arts takes on a new challenge in A Chorus Line.
A Chorus Line is a 1975 musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante. The musical follows a group of dancers trying out to be in the chorus for a new Broadway show. Following an electric opening number, the once large group dwindles down to 17 people, all in a line. The director, Zach (Elijah Jackson ‘26, Lucas Mortell ‘24), tells the line that even though he knows their talent and previous experience, he wants their individual stories and personalities to come out before he can cast the show. Then, the show begins to focus on each individual auditionee; why they chose to pursue musical theater, and how show business isn’t all that it’s made out to be. St. Joe’s will be presenting a “High School Edition” of the classic show, which cuts out the adult language and other references.
Each character gets their own chance to present their own story. Cassie (Eva Zazzali, Bella Falletta), the one-time lover of Zach and has been on Broadway multiple times expresses her need for a job. Maggie (Addie Harrington, Emily Kenny), Bebe (Charlotte Riley, Giuliana Riccobono), and Sheila (Sam O’Connor, Madison McAllister) sing about growing up in “At The Ballet”. Mark (Aidan Fox ‘27, Nick Pantano ‘25) leads the cast in a group number about their adolescent years, and Paul (Liam Fahey ‘24, Derek Bedell ‘26) delivers a heart-breaking monologue about his relationship with his parents. The show is one of the longest running musicals on Broadway and won countless awards when it first premiered in New York including the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Of course, taking on a show like this is no easy feat. Much like the student directed Twelve Angry Men presented at the beginning of the year, most of the time every single actor is onstage. This presents a challenge, as the actors must be completely engaged at all times. Among other things, the play tackles serious issues in between the large dance numbers and comedic moments.
Coming back for this musical is Director Marc David Wright, who is ecstatic to be directing this production. When asked why A Chorus Line was picked for the spring show, here is what he had to say: “One word: DANCE! For the past two years, we have staged musicals that have strengthened our students’ acting and singing skills… A Chorus Line is going to put our students' dancing skills to the ultimate test. We hope by opening night we can boast that St. Joe’s is built with an ensemble of true ‘triple-threat’ talents.” Marc also commented on the challenges of this show, “Coming off of the mighty and massive Les Miserables, A Chorus Line may seem like a simple musical at first glance… There is no massive set, spectacular fight sequences, or sprawling story spanning decades of history. A Chorus Line is really just one scene, taking place at an audition in an empty Broadway theater. There is nothing onstage except for the actors and a few mirrors. But don’t let the simple conceit fool you… this show packs a punch. With infamously difficult dance sequences and Pulitzer Prize-winning dialogue, our students are being challenged like never before. I think a lot of folks are going to be surprised… We've never done anything like A Chorus Line at Joe’s. We feel so honored to share this classic musical with the St. Joe’s community, and feel a deep responsibility to do the show justice. When it premiered on Broadway almost 50 years ago, it revolutionized musical theater. Sharing this show with our students has felt like a history lesson… by understanding why this show is so important and timeless, it has inspired them to work harder and aim higher. The pressure is on, but St. Joe’s Performing Arts has never backed down from a challenge.”
The show will be presented this spring, May 10-12, 2024, in the Inserra Theater. There will also be a preview day on May 8th with a show for local middle schools, SJR students, and senior citizens. Tickets are not yet available, but once they are, make sure to pick them up and come support your brothers. Also, check out the “Performing Arts” tab on the St. Joe’s website to sign up for a spot on the stage crew!