Topic: College of Fine Arts
March 21, 2018
Cast members of Ball State University's Department of Theatre and Dance's latest production of "A Chorus Line" dance during a rehearsal on the University Theatre stage. The opening night of the production is at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at University Theatre.
Ball State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is bringing the behind-the-scenes reality of a Broadway chorus audition to its stage in its latest production, “A Chorus Line,” opening at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at University Theatre, with additional shows at 7:30 p.m. March 24-25 and 27-31 as well 2:30 p.m. March 25 and 31.
“’A Chorus Line’ is considered a cornerstone of the musical theater canon, and we were excited to choose a show that focuses on the theater and theater people,” said Emily Tzucker, co-director of the production and instructor of theater. “We also wanted to do a musical that celebrates all different kinds of people and the artistic process. It is a window in the world of the struggling artist while also asking the universal question: ‘What are you willing to do for something you love?’”
The original 1975 Broadway show, which won the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for drama and Tony Award for best musical in 1976, tells the story of 17 dancers competing for eight spots in an unnamed musical.
The production showcases original staging and choreography from Anne Beck, co-director and choreographer of the production and instructor of dance.
“’A Chorus Line’ is such a personal piece that as the cast interprets their roles, they become their own. I think it makes each production of the show unique,” Tzucker said.
“A Chorus Line” demands triple-threat performers who can sing, dance, and act.
“The students have each grown leaps and bounds to meet the demands of the show,” Tzucker said. “You can count on top notch singing, dancing, acting, design, and production work from our students across all of our disciplines. ‘A Chorus Line’ uses the theater in a unique way. We look forward to the audience experiencing this singular environment.”
Tickets for ‘A Chorus Line’ are available at the University Theatre Box Office, open from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or online. The cost is $18 for the general public and $15 for students, faculty, staff, and senior citizens. Contact the box office at 765-285-8749 or visit the Department of Theatre and Dance’s website (bsu.edu/theatre) for more information.