The D-E performing arts tradition of a senior student-directed live theatrical production will once again take place this spring, during Memorial Day weekend.

The hit Broadway musical A Chorus Line is being presented on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28, at 7:30 PM in Schenck Auditorium. The show features the directing talents of senior Casey Danoff '16 together with a cast and crew made up primarily of Upper School students, along with a few D-E faculty/staff friends.  

Tickets are available now for $15 in the D-E School Store in the Klein Campus Center, and will also be available at the door prior to each performance. All tickets are general admission. 

Danoff shares, "I've wanted to direct spring theater because theater was what made my high school experience as great as it was. I have done every show since my freshman year musical and thoroughly loved each production. I've made my best friends through theater and learned valuable lessons. So, I saw the opportunity to direct the spring theater production as a capstone to my theater experience."

Danoff continues: "I've always loved A Chorus Line. Dance has very important to me since I was young. I was on a competitive team for 7 years, and have been the president of D-E Dance Club for 2 years. When I was young, I spent endless hours making up combos to tunes from A Chorus Line in my mirror. I was so excited to be able to turn these combos into a complete show. Also, [this show] is a very ensemble based show -- it gives everyone a chance to shine. I wanted everyone to have a moment where they really feel like the star. Lastly, A Chorus Line is truly a classic. Anyone who loves theater has a special place for [this show] and I knew that the process would be fun for both the cast and the audience."

D-E faculty member Vicky Frankel provides the following synopsis:  

"How do we measure the value of a person? Do we do it numerically? By weight? Height? Wealth? Do we measure in numbers like GPA or SAT? Do those numbers account for our dreams, our history, our potential? Our merit? Talent? Luck? Chance? Drive? What if we are artists or actors or dancers? What if we’re measured “Dance Ten, Looks Three”? Will that tell the story of what is in our heart and soul? What about the girl who can play so many parts in her drama class, but deep inside feels “Nothing”? The girl with a sad home life who fled to dance class to find that everything is beautiful “At the Ballet”?  How do we know, when we’re in the throes of our Ugly Duckling phase--”Hello Twelve, Hello thirteen, Hello Love”--if we will ever emerge into a swan? What about persistence, grit and perseverance, as we push through auditions, past rejections and beyond those injuries that afflict all mortals? What keeps us going? Keeps us hopeful?"

 "A Chorus Line is a show within a show; hopeful dancers arrive on a bare stage to audition for a Broadway musical and pour out their hearts and talents when the brusque director Zach demands that they divulge their personal stories while putting them through grueling song and dance numbers, (originally directed and choreographed by the legendary Michael Bennett). We learn about the individual and heartwarming travails of each dancer striving for work, for a place in the chorus, for a dream come true, as they share what they do “For Love.” Adding spice and intrigue, we discover that Zach’s ex-girlfriend Cassie, has returned from a starring role in the mid-West, hoping now for a part in Zach’s chorus. A Chorus Line keeps us in suspense as we wait to find out...who will make the cut? Who will be those chosen few, and who will be cast aside to resume the chase, putting his/her dignity on the line for the next cattle call for the next show for the next director?"

A Chorus Line originally opened on Broadway in 1975, and was the longest-running show with over 6 thousand performances. Ten years later the show was adapted for the screen, and was revived on Broadway in 2006. The musical has received, taken together, more than a dozen Tony and Drama Desk Awards, as well as the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

When asked what she hopes audience will most appreciate with this performance, Danoff notes: "I hope that the audience is able to feel the roller coaster of emotions and array of stories that the characters portray. In addition to beautiful melodies and lively dance, the show has really rich characters. I love that A Chorus Line makes me both laugh and cry, all while watching huge dance numbers and listening to songs I've known since I was 5 [years old]. I hope the audience experiences a similar effect!" 

Questions about A Chorus Line may be directed by Email to danofc@d-e.org or frankv@d-e.org. 

Show Credits:

A CHORUS LINE