BWW Interviews: On the Line with Spencer Dean of 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 an experienced, if rather young, actor fresh off his run in Circle Players' recent 13 The Musical, the peripatetic (and media savvy) Spencer Dean...

Spencer, where are you from? Ft. Myers, Florida. I moved to the Nashville area when I was entering 7th grade. I will be a junior at Franklin High School this coming fall.

What are some of the shows you've done? In Florida, I did Peter Pan  and Gypsy at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Florida. Here in Tennessee, I've done Seussical the Musical with Pull-Tight Players, Into the Woods  and Beauty and the Beast with Act Too Players and 13, the Musical with Circle Players.

What character do you play in A Chorus Line? I'm playing Mark, the young, energetic suck up that you hate to see at auditions!

What's been the biggest challenge of the show thus far? The choreography. It's exhausting, insane, and incredible! I can't wait to get up on stage and perform it for an audience!

What was your first exposure to the show? When I was about eight or nine years old, I went to see a professional production of it. My mom bought tickets for the whole family because she didn't know what it was about. So we go see it, and I absolutely hated it! I did not understand any of the jokes or references. Basically, I was bored the entire show. Eight years later, I'm in the show and I can't get enough of it!

How have rehearsals been so far? [At the time of the interview] I've only been rehearsing for a little over a week because I joined the cast a few days late. In that week, we've choreographed four or five numbers and rehearsed most of the music.
So You Think You Can Dance or Dancing With the Stars? So You Think You Can Dance, for sure! I don't watch it very often, but the talent is just insane and I love watching the creativity people bring into their performances! Dancing with the Stars is a fun show, but it is sometimes painful to watch. Being a celebrity does not mean you can, or should, dance.

So where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line won the Tony Award for Best Musical? I was not alive in 1976! My parents hadn't even met yet! I'm only 16 years old!! I know, I know; I'm a little young to be in A Chorus Line, but I'm playing the youngest character! 

What's your favorite song from the show? I love Diana's solo, "Nothing," and the song, "At the Ballet." They are both beautiful! I find myself walking around humming them all the time!

Okay, Spencer, your answers are brilliant...so here's one last query: Who's your favorite theater critic? Hmmm....I don't know many, but I'd have to say Jeffrey Ellis. He knows what he's talking about in his reviews, and he's a pretty nice guy.

- 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.