Lee’s Summit West Theatre performs A Chorus Line

Posted by GSDispatch Editor in Edu, GSD Online, by Lee’s Summit West High School

When the dancers responded to the ad for work, none of them could have imagined what was ahead of them in the audition. The director, Zach, wanted them to be able to dance, but he wanted more. He wanted to know who they were; where did they come from, what made them want to dance – what are their hopes, dreams, fears and disappointments?

A Chorus Line is different from most musical theater productions and in 1975 was a radical departure from the typical Broadway show. It doesn’t have a story line that evolves from one scene to another. As composer and lyricist Maury Yeston described it, “[A Chorus Line is] a form in which a series of monologues linked by an idea could support an evening of theater.” As the production unfolds the audience will meet Cassie, an unemployed dancer who is happy just to be in the chorus; Paul, a homosexual, who is searching for respect as well as a job; Val, a drop-dead beauty who reveals she wasn’t always that way; and Connie, who learned the hard way she wasn’t cut out to be a ballerina.

A Chorus Line ran over 6,100 performances and was for some time the longest running musical in history. The show won many awards including a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and nine Tony Awards. Many songs in “A Chorus Line are familiar to audiences: “What I Did For Love,” “One,” “Nothing,” and “I Can Do That.”

Come and enjoy an evening with the Westside Stage Thespian Troup as they proudly present the high school version of A Chorus Line. Performances are February 19 & 20 at 7:30 PM, and February 26 & 27 at 7:30, & February 28 at 2:30 PM. The Lee’s Summit West Theatre Parents will conduct an auction of almost 100 items on February 20, starting at 6 PM, with chili and corn bread available for purchase. This is a fun way to “shop” and support our students. Due to sensitive subject content, this show is not recommended for young children.

To purchase tickets, go to www.westsidestage.com, or your students may purchase them in the Commons during lunch periods.