Donna McKechnie, Kelly Bishop, and More Set for Marvin Hamlisch Tribute at Paper Mill Playhouse Tonight, 10/7

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee- Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) has announced that the New Jersey Theater will tribute A Chorus Line composer Marvin Hamlisch at the official opening of the show tonight, October 7th at 7:00pm.

Kelly Bishop joins director Mitzi Hamilton along with Donna McKechnie and dozens of A Chorus Line cast members from 1975 through 1990. Directly following the curtain call, A Chorus Line Broadway alumni will join the Paper Mill Playhouse cast on stage as they reprise a section of the “Finale” in tribute to Mr. Hamlisch. Any cast member from the Broadway production of A Chorus Line from 1975-1990 is encouraged to call Kelly Stevens at Paper Mill Playhouse at 973.315.1640 or email at kstevens@papermill.org to reserve their free tickets. Following the tribute there will be a red carpet, cast/reunion party in Downtown Millburn.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to honor and celebrate the life of Marvin Hamlisch, remarked Mitzi Hamilton, Director of A Chorus Line at Paper Mill Playhouse. Mitzi Hamilton is best known for her association with Marvin Hamlisch and Michael Bennett’s legendary A Chorus Line. She provided the inspiration for the character of Val and performed the role in the original London company and then on Broadway.

Paper Mill Playhouse Producing Artistic Director, Mark S. Hoebee added, “The world will remember Marvin Hamlisch for his brilliant musical accomplishments. The world is changed forever by the songs he instilled in our hearts. It is our honor and privilege to celebrate his life on October 7th.”

Paper Mill Playhouse recently announced the cast for its season opener, A Chorus Line, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, with book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of A Chorus Line will be directed and choreographed by Mitzi Hamilton, one of the dancers in Bennett’s original taped workshop that inspired the 1975 Musical. John O’Neill will serve as Music Director/Conductor. A Chorus Line began performances on October 3.

The official press opening tonight, October 7, 2012, at 7:00pm. The official press opening will include this tribute to composer Marvin Hamlisch.

A Chorus Line is "One Singular Sensation" that garnered virtually every award imaginable, including the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize. This groundbreaking musical, set during an audition for an upcoming Broadway show, shines a light on the hopes, fears and dreams of performers vying for a chance to do what they all know they were born to do. A Chorus Line is an enthralling and emotional metaphor for what drives each of us to achieve our dreams.

A Chorus Line will be performed eight times a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Single tickets are on sale now and range from $26 to $96. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 40 percent discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680.

In true Chorus Line fashion, the cast will feature an ensemble of unique experience and talent, including Broadway and Paper Mill veterans: Ashley Arcement (Val), Kyle Brown (Greg), Mike Cannon (Al), Kevin Curtis (Richie), KC Fredericks (Mark), Julia Freyer (Judy), Jessica Lee Goldyn (Cassie), Martin Harvey (Zach), Nikka Graff Lanzarone (Bebe), Brian Letendre (Larry), Mark Myars (Mike), Jeffrey Pew (Don), Rachelle Rak (Sheila), Amanda Rose (Kristine), Gabrielle Ruiz (Diana), J. Manuel Santos (Paul), Alexzandra Sarmiento (Connie), Kyle Vaughn (Bobby), and Karley Willocks (Maggie). Rounding out the cast are: Carleigh Bettiol, (Lois), Kevin Boseman (Butch), Jennifer Cordiner (Vicki), Jordan Fife Hunt (Roy), Chris Klink (Frank), Grant Thomas (Tom) and Jessica Vaccaro (Tricia).

Joining Mitzi Hamilton and John O’Neill, the creative team will include scenic design by James Dardenne, costume coordination by Gail Baldoni, lighting design by Julie Duro, sound design by Randy Hansen and hair design by Mark Adam Rampmeyer. Joshua Halperin will serve as Production Stage Manager.