A Chorus Line Opens at Florida Rep Education

A Chorus Line, the long-awaited, singular sensation from the Florida Rep Education Conservatory opens Aug. 9 at the Historic Arcade Theatre.

The iconic show A Chorus Line has music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The musical is based on the book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante. It captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Centered on 17 dancers, the musical is set on a bare stage and explores the inner lives of professional Broadway hopefuls who would give everything to have a career as a performer.

A Chorus Line once held the record for the most performed musical on Broadway and has continued on to be one of the most translated and produced musicals worldwide. Featuring one powerhouse moment after the other, memorable numbers include "What I Did for Love," "One," "I Can Do That," "At the Ballet," "The Music and the Mirror," and "I Hope I Get It."

The production is directed by Kody C. Jones, director of the Florida Rep Education Department. The Conservatory program is designed for young artists who are looking to pursue theatre as a career. It offers young artists an introduction to the professional world with a real-life regional theatre experience, providing a creative outlet that culminates with a run of public performances.

"Performing A Chorus Line is almost a rite of passage for every young actor," Director Kody C. Jones explains. "This show exudes so much angst and passion and exhibits the many sacrifices an artist makes on their journey to pursuing the stage as a career. Watching these young artists perform such challenging material and truly face their own passions and obstacles in such a personal way has been a cathartic and inspiring experience."

Rosalind Metcalf (Heathers: The Musical, Florida Rep Education Conservatory) music directs this production, with choreography by Kayley Stephens. Metcalf joins this production from New Jersey after many years of music directing for colleges and theatre companies. Stephens' extensive background in dance includes performing in musicals all over the country, for American Cruise Lines, and as a principal dancer at Crazy Palace Karlsruhe in Germany. This is her third time working on A Chorus Line, with the other two playing the role of Cassie.

The design team includes set designer Jordan Moore (Cabaret, Florida Rep mainstage), lighting designer Tyler Omundsen (Conservatory debut), costume designer Jacquelyn Loy (Heathers: The Musical), sound designer Katie Lowe (Heathers: The Musical), and production stage manager KateLynn Foster (Metamorphoses).

A Chorus Line at Florida Rep is generously sponsored by Emily Eason.

The production runs through Aug. 12, with evening performances at 7 p.m. and matinee performances at 2 p.m. Aug. 11-12. Tickets are $10 with a valid student ID, $20 for adults. General admission tickets are available at www.FloridaRepEducation.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488.

Florida Repertory Theatre Education performs on tour and in the Historic Arcade Theatre on Bay St. between Jackson and Hendry with limited free parking in the Fort Myers River District. Visit Florida Rep Education online at FloridaRepEducation.org, and by following the Education Department on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat.

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