BWW Interviews: On the Line with Caleb Reynolds from Keeton's A CHORUS LINE

Director/choreographer Kate Adams-Johnson, aka Nashville theater's busiest woman, is pulling out all the stops as she puts yet another cast through its paces leading up to yet another opening night (this one's fast approaching on Thursday, June 9). Only this time, she's serious. Very serious. The show she's helming for this particular opening night, you see, is every dancer's holy grail: A Chorus Line.

 "In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed - to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line the musical for everyone who's ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards, including "Best Musical" and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever," reads publicity for the upcoming production.

In the cast, there's a blend familiar faces from local theater productions and a whole slew of newcomers. During the run-up to the show's June 9 opening night, we've introduced you to members of Kate's cast - and next up is handsome, charming, talented and Caleb Reynolds who, clearly, knows his way around an interview.

Where did you grow up Caleb?
I'm from the wonderful town of Franklin, and I currently am pursuing a Musical Theatre degree at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, along with a dance minor with a jazz emphasis along with an accounting minor as well.

What shows have you done?
I have performed in Evita at the Point Park Playhouse Conservatory and I was in the ensemble; Seussical for the Keeton Theatre here in Nashville; and I was dance captain for Damn Yankees at the Boiler Room; Fame at Circle Players in Nashville, and I was Jack Zackowski (the white version of Tyrone Jackson); Oklahoma! at the Renaissance Center in Dickson; Footloose at Circle Players, and I was Chuck Cranston; and High School Musical at Circle Players. Along with other various church shows done at The People's Church here in Franklin along with other high school experiences and random theatre experiences as well

What character do you play in A Chorus Line?
I play Mike Costa in the show.

What's the biggest challenge to doing this show?
The biggest challenge in doing this show would probably have to be trying to afford the gas money to get to Donelson every night because boy, is it a far drive from Franklin...But really, I would say that the hardest part about this show is definitely the kick line at the finale of the show that seems to go on for forever and two days... You think it's going to end, and it just keeps going on, and on, and on.

What was your first exposure to A Chorus Line?
Being a musical theatre performer, I have heard about A Chorus Line ever since I got into theatre my sophomore year of high school, but I have never truly had a chance to see it, or be in it and so having the opportunity to be a part of this show truly is quite enjoyable.

What's the rehearsal process been like for you thus far?
Any rehearsal process with Kate and [music director] Ginger [Newman] is always a blast. I would say with confidence that they are one of the best teams that I have had the pleasure of working under. They both know how to make rehearsal such an enjoyable process, but at the same time, get all of our work done. Also, the fact that Kate is choosing to stick with the original choreography for the show is something that I am incredibly excited about. Whenever A Chorus Line is ever mentioned at school, people always will break out into the opening number choreography, and I normally am just sitting there on the side, not knowing what is going on, but after this, it is going to be great to know what the choreography is. Also, when it comes to a show like A Chorus Line it is quite difficult to do the show without at least some of the original choreography due to the fact that Zach is constantly saying what the choreography is, and trying to choreograph something that is not the original steps, but abides by the same lines can be quite difficult.

Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance?
Strangely enough, a friend of mine and I were just talking about this the other day.  I think that the dancing in SYTYCD is all quite amazing and I wish that I could do half of the stuff that they do on the show, but because they have such a short amount of time to display their talent along with the fact that it is based on America's votes makes so much of the dancing just have to be tricks, because that is what America as a whole wants.  I know that the show would not get near as good of ratings, but I would like to see a few shows where the dances don't have a ton of tricks, but rather where the dancers are able to show off their technique.

I do enjoy Dancing With the Stars quite a bit and it is quite nice to hear all of the football players and other people who don't realize how hard dancing truly is to come out and say how it is so difficult for them to do and comprehend.

Where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway?
Considering that I was born in 1991, I wasn't even in the picture by this point in my yet to be life...

What's your favorite song from the score?
My favorite song in the score would have to be the song that Diana sings called "Nothing." Going to school for musical I have experienced a lot of the things that she talks about in this song, and I find this song quite hilarious.

Who's your favorite theater critic?
Well of course my favorite critic is Jeffrey Ellis. Is that even a serious question? The way in which he writes his critiques is just so elegant and

- A Chorus Line. Directed and choreographed by Kate Adams-Johnson. Presented by The Larry Keeton Theatre, 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville. June 9-25. Evening shows are at 7:00 p.m., Seating for dinner at 6:00 p.m. Matinee shows are at 2:00 p.m., Seating for lunch at 1:00 p.m.  Show tickets: $25.00 with a $1.00 ticketing fee. Show only tickets: $20.00 Special Thursday Patron's Special: $10.00 show only tickets Tickets are available through www.ticketsnashville.com or by calling (615) 883-8375. For more details, visit the company website at www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org.

 

 

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