Production: A Chorus Line

A chorus line marked a big step in ION’s development as it was its first full scale musical and was performed at the Customs House in early 2008.

The show centers on an audition for an upcoming Broadway production, director Zach and his assistant choreographer Laurie put the auditionees through their paces. After the first selection, 17 dancers remain. Zach tells them he is looking for a strong dancing chorus of four boys and four girls. He wants to learn more about them, so he tells them to introduce themselves. With reluctance, they reveal their pasts. The stories generally progress chronologically from early life experiences through adulthood to the end of a career. As the show draws to a close Zach asks the remaining dancers what they will do when they can no longer dance. Whatever happens, they reply, they will be free of regret.

 Open auditions were held and auditionees came from all over the North East to be put through their paces. It was not a show without incident however with cast changes due to injury and work commitments including the last minute loss of the original actor playing the role of Zach. In a true testament to the level of professionalism of the cast this did not affect what was a huge critical success.