The cast and creative team of MMT’s A Chorus Line have been hard at work bringing this Pulitzer-Prize and Tony-Award winning musical to life on the Trinkle MainStage April 25th – May 13th. With music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood Jr & Nicholas Dante, A Chorus Line tells the personal stories of 17 dancers auditioning for 8 spots in the chorus of a new Broadway musical.
Four of those dancers are Patrick Henry High School students Chloe Cannon (Freshman), Nathan Derrico (Senior), Cameron Reynolds (Junior), and Cathleen Turner (Senior). Derrico and Turner hold previous performances on the Mill Mountain stages, meanwhile Cannon and Reynolds are making their exciting Trinkle MainStage debut in the award-winning musical.
The young performers spoke of how much they’ve learned in their first week of rehearsals. “This entire cast is full of professionals, they’re incredible. It’s always such a learning experience working with everyone, seeing how they take it all in.” says PH Senior Cathleen Turner (Tricia/ Val U/S). MMT’s production of A Chorus Line is Patrick Henry Junior Cameron Reynolds’ (Roy) first time working on a professional musical “It’s an opportunity that I’ve never had before, I’m just taking it all in.”
Considered a landmark celebration of the American Musical, A Chorus Line follows the lives of 17 Broadway dancers vying for a spot “on the line.” Through epic song and dance, the performers describe the families, jobs, and tough times that shaped their lives and careers. Set on a bare stage, audiences will get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a performer trying to make it on Broadway.
PH Senior, Nathan Derrico (Frank) spoke about how the rehearsal process is different than any other projects he’s worked on. “It’s a big learning experience, getting to work with people who know how to do a show like this. It’s a lot faster paced than things I’ve done in the past. It’s fun!” Freshman Chloe Cannon (Vicki) just finished Patrick Henry’s production of Into The Woods as Cinderella, “I’m learning a lot of new things, especially just from watching the professionals in rehearsal.”
Chloe Cannon (Lois) is a freshman at Patrick Henry High school. She has been taking ballet since she was three years old and currently trains with Southwest Virginia Ballet. Chloe’s love for theatre has grown so much each year and continues with every show she’s in. She recently played Cinderella in Into the Woods at Patrick Henry High school. Chloe is beyond thankful for being given this opportunity to work with amazing people in such a phenomenal show!
Nathan Derrico (Frank) is excited to join Mill Mountain Theatre in his first main stage production! He is currently a senior at Patrick Henry High School and takes classes through Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory. He is hoping to attend college for musical theatre this fall. He would like to thank his friends, family, and teachers for their loving support on his journey.
Cameron Reynolds (Roy) is a sophomore at Patrick Henry high school. He has enjoyed doing In The Heights, Grease, Heathers, and Little Shop of Horrors. He plays several instruments and has been singing and dancing for most of his life. He wants to thank his family for their time and support and Mill Mountain for such a wonderful opportunity.
Cathleen Turner (Tricia/Val US) – Cathleen is excited to be returning to Mill Mountain Theatre for her 8th and last main stage production of high school! Some of her favorites have been 42nd Street, White Christmas, and Children of Eden. Cathleen is a senior at Patrick Henry High School who is eager to graduate and attend college in the fall in hopes of pursuing musical theatre. She enjoys spending her free time with Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory where she has spent a large portion of her childhood growing through all aspects of theatre.
Reserve your ticket with a 10% discount- for all four of the Trinkle MainStage productions of A Chorus Line, Shrek The Musical TYA, West Side Story, and The Christmas Cup at: https://millmountain.org/tickets/subscriptions/
The cast of Mill Mountain Theatre’s A Chorus Line features Stevie Bovo (Al), Sam Brackley (Paul), Chloe Cannon (Vicki), Nathan Derrico (Frank), David Foster (Larry), Mary Hannah Garber (Val), Andrew Gleckler (Mark), Kristin Guerin (Sheila), Lawrence Hailes (Richie), Tyler Jimenez (Greg), Guy Mannick* (Mike), Lizzie Markson (Diana / Dance Captain), Caitlin McAvoy (Bebe), Diane Meck (Connie), Niklaus Miller (Bobby), Hamilton Moore (Zach), Caitie Moss (Kristine), Lizz Picini* (Cassie), Lyndsay Ricketson (Maggie), Cameron Reynolds (Roy), Megan Tatum (Judy), Cathleen Turner (Vicki U/S Val), and Richard Westfahl (Don).
The creative team of A Chorus Line features Alicia Varcoe (Director), Kristen Brooks Sandler (Choreographer), Seth Davis (Music Director), Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Sammy Brown* (Stage Manager), Jimmy Ray Ward (Scenic Designer), William Webb (Lighting Designer), Sera Bourgeau (Costume Designer), Matthew Shields (Props Designer), Ayme Gierchak (Sound Designer), and Jessica Humke (Assistant Stage Manager).
*Sammy Brown, Guy Mannick, and Lizz Picini appear courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.
Get your tickets now to A Chorus Line running April 25 – May 13 on the Trinkle MainStage at Mill Mountain Theatre. Tickets range from $20-38 and can be purchased online at millmountain.org or by calling 540-342-5740.
Mill Mountain Theatre’s production of A Chorus Line is sponsored by BB&T Bank, Catawba Capital Management, Innovative Insurance Group, Howell’s Motor Freight Inc., Avis Construction, Business Solutions, and Elk Hill Advisors Inc. Special grantors for A Chorus Line are Center in the Square, Actors’ Equity Association, Theatre Communications Group, Art Works, and Blue Star Theatres.
Production contains mature language
