The Gypsies of Broadway

Dancers kill themselves in a show.

They’re always the low man on the totem pole.

They work like dogs, they get less money than

anybody else, and they don’t get any real credit.

I want to do a show where the dancers are the stars.

-Michael Bennett

Michael Bennett, the creator of A Chorus Line, is now considered one of Broadway's greatest choreographers. However, his career began as one of the dancers or “gypsies” in the chorus of Broadway musicals. He was a rising star in the industry when he decided to put together a show that tells the story of the gypsies who he considered the unsung heroes of Broadway. Bennett wanted to bring to life the stories of those who work so hard and make it look so easy – how through pain, injury, rejection and doubt, they shine on stage eight times a week, without complaint and they do it for the chance to perform in front of an audience. Some want fame, but most just want a job - a job they do for love.

In 1975, a time when the country was struggling with a recession, cynical in the aftermath of Watergate, the Vietnam War, with the Cold War still raging, Broadway in decline and Times Square degraded to a center for pornography, prostitution, felony crime and drug dealing - Michael Bennett – a dancer – a revered gypsy – decided to create A Chorus Line and against all odds went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Tony for Best New Musical and numerous other accolades. It became a huge hit, marking the beginning of Times Square revival, which beckoned audiences back to Broadway. It still holds the Broadway record for the longest running musical produced in the United States with 6,137 performances. The London productions Phantom of the Opera (8,835), Cats (7,485) and Les Misérables (6,680) are the only shows to have had longer runs on Broadway.

A Chorus Line started as workshop “share” sessions. Michael Bennett organized a group of dancers to talk about their personal and professional lives. The sessions were tape-recorded, then written down. A Chorus Line took the dancers’ own words and in a powerfully simple setting – a bare Broadway stage – told their stories through words, song and, especially, dance. It was utterly unique. With A Chorus Line, Bennett incorporated what he called "cinematic staging." There was constant "jump-cutting" as the audience's attention was shifted from one figure to another. Bennett brought things into sudden focus as in a film through stage dissolves, close-ups, montages and wipes. Equally effective, creative and dramatic was Bennett's use of mirrors in the show. It was musical staging that went beyond anything other musicals had ever presented.

Ogunquit Playhouse has been working for years to acquire the rights to present A Chorus Line, and will proudly do so this summer under the direction of Luis Villabon. Villabon has enjoyed the honor of restaging Michael Bennett's original direction and choreography for many companies, most recently, the Italian National Tour. Mr. Villabon's career began as a dancer in A Chorus Line, directed and restaged by Baayork Lee, the choreographer for the recent Broadway revival, eventually serving as Ms. Lee's assistant on many productions of A Chorus Line. Starring in the role of Zach in the Ogunquit production is Lorenzo Lamas, the Hollywood star who in addition to his television, film and stage credits is also the son of Broadway star Arlene Dahl and film idol Fernando Lamas. Lorenzo made his stage debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse as the King in the King and I. Executive Artistic Director Bradford Kenney has also acquired the Broadway sets and costumes, to recreate one of the most revered Broadway Musicals of all time. The Playhouse is honored to present what is sure to be a first class, powerful experience for audiences.

For a fantastic addition to the Playhouse experience, see the documentary film "Every Little Step." This documentary gives audiences a backstage look at the 2006 Broadway revival of A Chorus Line. The film traces the casting of the 2006 Broadway revival of A Chorus Line and explores the late Michael Bennett's creation of the original production. It includes testimonials from A Chorus Line's initial workshop tapes, which feature the voices of the original 1975 cast members. Lorenzo Lamas has seen it already and has given it two thumbs up! Check local listings for theatres and show times.

LORENZO LAMAS (Zach) was cast in several television roles before he got his lucky break. Earl Hammner cast Lorenzo in the popular night-time soap opera “Falcon Crest” and the dye was set. Lorenzo had been studying Tae Kwon Do and the producers quickly realized how valuable Lorenzo’s skill was. The writers often called upon Lorenzo in action scenes and after nine years on the show, Lorenzo was known as an “action” type of actor. Lorenzo made several action movies after “Falcon Crest,” among them were Snake Eater, Body Rock, and CIA Target Alexa, which he also directed. Lorenzo was by now a black belt and met with Stephen Cannell to develop an action television series. This show was “Renegade.” Since 2004, Lorenzo has been starring as Los Angeles firefighter, Hector Ramirez, on CBS’s long-running daytime drama, “The Bold and the Beautiful.” In 2007 Lorenzo made his cabaret debut at “Feinstein’s” at The Regency and his stage debut in The King and I here at the Ogunquit Playhouse. In 2008 he performed as “Dracula” in Dracula at the Keane University and “El Gallo” in the Fantastics directed by Tom Jones, the original writer, in Ft. Worth. Lorenzo is very happy to be returning to the Ogunquit Playhouse. He will always remember his first stage role in this very special theatre, with the fantastic support from all the folks that call Ogunquit home. Lorenzo has six children ranging from eight to twenty-five years of age. He is currently living in Southern California pursuing his goals, both on stage and in film.

BETH ANN BAKER (Kristine) is thrilled to be “On the Line” at Ogunquit Playhouse. Prior to joining the National Tour of The Producers, Beth Ann worked regionally performing some of her favorite shows – A Chorus Line and Grease (Shawnee Playhouse), CATS and Anything Goes (Surflight). A native of Greenville, SC, Beth Ann graduated from Catholic University with a B.M. in Musical Theatre. Special thanks go to family and friends (especially Mom and Dad) for all their love and support.

MICHAEL BIREN (Mike Costa) is thrilled to be in his first show at Ogunquit Playhouse. He holds a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Theatre from Muhlenberg College. Favorite credits include; Cinderella (International Tour), Doody in Grease (Surflight Theatre), Jack in Into The Woods (Ritz Theatre), Dromio of Ephesus in The Boys From Syracuse (Surflight Theatre), Riff in West Side Story (Prince Music Theatre), and Mike in Strawberry Daiquiris for Two. Thanks to DMJSRSC.

JEREMY BOHMSTEIN (Frank) is a recent graduate of Point Park University where he earned B.A.’s in Dance and Musical Theatre. For the Conservatory, he has performed in Contact, Reefer Madness, Anything Goes, and Thou Shalt Not, and choreographed the pieces “for fear of...” and “Bright Flashes.” Other credits include: Gypsy (Paper Mill Playhouse), West Side Story (Baby John/Dance Captain). It Had To Be You (Workshop and NYC), 2008 season at Surflight Theatre and various AIDS Benefits. He would like to thank his parents for their continuous support as well as Luis and everybody at OP for this opportunity.

KATIE CAMERON (Sheila) holds A Chorus Line very close...she has performed in many great productions of the show, including the International Company, playing the role of Judy, and growing up to Sheila. She was honored to dance in City Center’s tribute to The Public Theatre where A Chorus Line began. Other favorite roles include Velma Kelly in Chicago, Tessie in Gypsy, Texas in Cabaret revival, Joanna in RUG London’s Sunset Blvd, Mrs. Potifar in Joseph... TV credits: “Sex in the City,” “Law and Order,” “Days of Our Lives.” Katie choreographed for 2 seasons for NBCs “ED.” Katie was a part of the artistic team of European premiere “Manhattan Rouge.” Big love, Mom, Seany, Jimbo!!

HANNAH CHIN (Connie Wong) is simply thrilled to make her Ogunquit debut in A Chorus Line! A native of Connecticut, Hannah is proud to have just graduated from NYU; Tisch School CAP21. Favorite credits: The Wild Party (Sally), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), All Shook Up, Hello Again (The Whore), Into the Woods (Lucinda), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ruth). Thanks to my parents for taking me to the ballet!

JUSTIN CLYNES (Larry) is thrilled to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut. Some credits include: Broadway; The Ritz,(Roundabout) Regional; The Full Monty, Ethan (Bucks County), A Chorus Line, Larry (Lee’s McRae), Beauty and the Beast, The Prince (PYT) TV; 30 Rock, CSI:NY, and All My Children. Many thanks to Stephen Harding and Luis Villabon for giving me the tools to reach my dreams, to Roseanne and Click Management for believing in me, and thank you to my parents for their continued support.

PATRICK DOROW (Butch) is thrilled to be returning to The Ogunquit Playhouse stage for another great summer. Playhouse credits include The Full Monty, Crazy for You, La Cage aux Folles, The King & I, and High School Musical. Favorite regional credits include The Wedding Singer, A Chorus Line, Crazy for You (The Palace Theatre), Into the Woods, Godspell (Prescott Park Arts Festival), The Rocky Horror Show - Live!, The Wizard of Oz, and Ragtime (Seacoast Repertory Theatre). Patrick studied Musical Theatre at Chicago College for Performing Arts. He sends his love to The Core, Justin, Luke and Mommy! This one is for Jared.

KURT DOMONEY (Bobby) Broadway: 2006 revival of A Chorus Line (Don Kerr/also u/s Bobby, Mike). National Tours: 42nd Street(1st National), White Christmas (St. Paul, Walter Bobbie-dir), Off-Broadway: All Is Love (NYMF ’06), A Naughty Knight (Duke Theatre), Roadside (York Theatre). Regional: Geva Theatre, Goodspeed Opera House, Ford’s Theatre, Houston TUTS, Sacramento Music Circus, North Shore, Pittsburgh CLO. Graduate: Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Thrilled to be back on the line for his Ogunquit debut!

TONY FALCON (Al DeLuca) is happy to be vacationing in Maine. Broadway/Workshop: The Mambo Kings, Kismet (Encores!), Trip of Love, In the Heights & Havana (Wildhorn). Off-Broadway: In the Heights Boobs! National tours: Evita (Che/Sloucho), Saturday Night Fever (Tony/DJ), Grease (Kenickie), Chicago(Billy/Casley), West Side Story (Pepe/DC). Regional: Light in the Piazza (@ Pioneer), Carmen (@ LaJolla), Guys and Dolls (@ Cape), LaMancha (@ White Plains), South Pacific (@ NCT). BFA Florida State University. For Carter, Lizzie, and Miguel.

LESLIE FLESNER (Judy Turner) is thrilled to be back at the Ogunquit Playhouse after performing in last season’s production of The Producers. A fresh graduate of Florida State University’s musical theater program, Leslie just made her New York City debut in New York City Center’s Encores production of Finian’s Rainbow starring Cheyenne Jackson. Regional credits include The Producers (North Shore Music Theater/Ogunquit Playhouse), Guys and Dolls (Portland Center Stage), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Seussical (Central Piedmont), A Little Night Music, Singin’ in the Rain, Jesus Christ Superstar (Seaside Music Theater). NYC Readings: Josephine (with Joey McKneely). Thanks to Mom, Dad, Keith, and the Ogunquit family!

THAY FLOYD (Richie) is excited to reunite with the Ogunquit Playhouse. He appeared in last seasons’ The Producers as Sgt. O’Hollihan. Off-Broadway: Treaty 321! (Lucille Lortel Theatre). Off-Off Broadway: Valentino (American Theatre of Actors), Radium (Jewel Box Theatre). Regional favorites: La Cage (Chantal), Chicago (Aaron), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Andre), and Tommy (Acid Queen, Sergeant). Thank yous first and foremost to the good Lord above, my parents for their undying love, and Robert and Luis for their faith and this opportunity.

KENNY FRANCOEUR (Tom) is thrilled to be making his debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse with the cast and crew of A Chorus Line. Currently, Kenny is a freshman Music Theatre major at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina. Favorite roles include Into the Woods (Jack), Secret Garden(Dickon), and Thoroughly Modern Milly (Bun Foo).

ANDREW HODGE (Don) is overjoyed to be a part of A Chorus Line! Regional: 42nd Street(North Shore Music Theatre), Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? (Felix). Tour: 25th Anniversary North American Tour of CATS (Swing, Assistant Stage Manager), 42nd Street(National). Television: America’s Next Top Model. Andrew is a PADI certified open water diver and an original member of the Boop Troupe!

NADINE ISENEGGER (Cassie) Nadine performed the role of Cassie in the Broadway Revival of A Chorus Line. She originated the role of Val in the recent Broadway Revival of Pal Joey. Other Broadway: 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), Kiss Me Kate, Follies, CATS (Victoria). Tours/ Regional: 42nd Street(Peggy Sawyer), Titanic, Fame (Iris), White Christmas-Boston Co. (Judy). Film/TV: Sweet and Lowdown, Deconstructing Harry, Every Little Step, AMC, AW, GL. Numerous commercials. Love to Mom, Dad, Greg, and Noble Talent.

VALORIE LAKE (Lois) is thrilled to be in this production of A Chorus Line, here at the Ogunquit Playhouse. She is currently playing the lead in an independent film titled, What God Sees. Earlier this year, she played Chastity in Anything Goes. Valorie has studied dance for many years at various local dance studios and is a graduate of the Royal Academy in Yarmouth.

CHRISTINE LADUCA (Diana Morales) is thrilled to return to Ogunquit for this amazing show. She was last seen here in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Sally Struthers. National Tour: CATS (Bombalurina). Other regional: A Chorus Line (Diana) at Arkansas Rep, Evita at Tennessee Rep, A Grand Night For Singing, Swing!, West Side Story, South Pacific. BFA Music Theatre - University at Buffalo. Love and thanks to her beautiful family and friends.

LAURA LEITHEISER (Bebe) is ecstatic to make her Ogunquit debut in A Chorus Line. National tour credits include Gentleman Prefer Blondes (Dance Captain/ Dorothy us), Seven Brides....Brothers (Martha), and Singin’ in the Rain (Ensemble/Linaus). Other favorite roles include West Side Story (Francisca), White Christmas (Rhoda), and A Chorus Line (Bebe). Thanks to everyone at Ogunquit for giving me this opportunity, and many thanks to my family for their never-ending support!

CARY MICHELE MILLER (Maggie) appeared in the first National Tours of Little Women (Starring Maureen McGovern) and Seussical (Starring Cathy Rigby). Regional: Peter Pan (Barrymore Award Nom.), State Fair and Carousel at the Walnut Street Theatre. Into the Woods (Fulton Opera House), Fiddler on the Roof (North Carolina Theatre), Beauty and The Beast (Sacramento Music Circus), A Chorus Line (Northern Stage). Movie: Across the Universe. Favorite roles: daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend and aunt.

NICK PECIARO (Roy) is so happy to be back in Ogunquit, his annual home away from home. He sends love to all the many people who make his summers here so memorable, his friends, and most importantly, his family. And Katie, this one’s for you.

FELIPE QUILLIN (Paul) is thrilled to be making his debut at Ogunquit Playhouse! Other credits include Chino in West Side Story (Music Theatre of Wichita), Paul in A Chorus Line (West Virginia Public), Simon Zealotes in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Dromio of Ephesus in The Boys From Syracuse. BFA: Musical Theatre; The University of Michigan. Love to his family and friends, thank you for all your support!

MEGAN SIKORA (Val) Broadway NY: Curtains (Bambi/ LA Ovation Nom.) Showboat (Ellie) Carnegie Hall, Applause (Bonnie) City Center’s Encores!, Wicked (u/s Glinda/Nessarose), Dracula (u/s Lucy/Mina), Wonderful Town, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ruth), 42nd Street (Lorraine), MTC’s The Wild Party (Peggy), A Connecticut Yankee (Angela) Encores! Other: “Important Things” with Dimitre Martin (Comedy Central) White Christmas (Judy Haynes), Oklahoma! (Ado Annie), 81st Annual Academy Awards with Hugh Jackman, five original cast recordings. B.A. in Dance from Point Park University, and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1996.

BRENDON STIMSON (Mark) is thrilled to be making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut! He recently graduated from Syracuse University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. He would like to thank Luis and Robert for this opportunity, the cast and crew, Mom, Dad, Paul, Lynne, Ralph, Kathy, Ashes, Garcia, Monk, Buster and his brother Ryan.

MICHAEL SUSKO (Gregory Gardner) Tours: The Scarlet Pimpernel, Beauty and The Beast, My Fair Lady, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street, and Camelot with Robert Goulet. Some Favorite Regional Credits include On the Twentieth Century (Goodspeed), No, No, Nanette (PaperMill), Anything Goes (TUTS), and nine seasons of The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Most recently Michael has been enjoying a successful career as a Director and Choreographer. Feel free to visit his website at www.michaelsusko.net.

LIZ TURNER (Vicky) is originally from Portsmouth, NH and is currently pursuing a B.M. at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, majoring in vocal performance. Past credits include shows at Prescott Park, Hackmatack, Granbury Opera House/Galveston Island Musicals. Liz would like to thank the Ogunquit Playhouse for this amazing opportunity to work with such a great cast!

AUTUMN WELT (Tricia) is a local artist from Saco, Maine. She received her Bachelors of Art degree from Elan University, North Carolina graduating Magna Cum Laude. Currently she is dancing with Sonar Dance which has performed in the Nashua, NH Fringe Festival, Portland Dances and The New England Dance Project. This is her first show with the Ogunquit Playhouse and she is very grateful to all the wonderful people involved.

Ogunquit Playhouse Kicks Off the Season with A Chorus Line starring Lorenzo Lamas!

For Immediate Release:

April 20, 2009

Kicking off the season is the “One Singular Sensation” A Chorus Line, on stage May 20th through June 13th. Handsome Hollywood heartthrob Lorenzo Lamas makes his triumphant return to the Ogunquit Playhouse to star as Zach in this ground-breaking musical (Lorenzo made his stage debut during the Playhouse production of The King and I in 2007). A Chorus Line held the record as the longest running show on Broadway for 15 years and heralds nine Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreographer, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The Ogunquit Playhouse production of A Chorus Line will feature the spectacular Broadway sets and costumes.

The show follows 17 would-be dancers in their quest to make the cut for a new Broadway Musical. It’s what they’ve worked for — with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives – for the chance to do what they’ve always dreamed of. One by one, they come forward to share the stories of their lives, putting themselves on the line to get a job in the line. When they’re done, so is the audition; and only eight will remain. A Chorus Line is the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line to make it come true – it’s the original American Idol!

Lorenzo Lamas is best known for his “bad boy” action-adventure roles on television and in film, most notably TV’s “Falcon Crest,” “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “Renegade.” He made his stage debut at the Ogunquit Playhouse in 2007 playing the King in The King and I. Lamas is also the son of actors Arlene Dahl and the late Fernando Lamas.

A Chorus Line will be directed by the world-renowned Luis Villabon who has enjoyed the honor of restaging Michael Bennett’s original direction and choreography for many companies, most recently, the Italian National Tour. Mr. Villabon’s career began as a dancer in A Chorus Line, directed and restaged by Baayork Lee, the choreographer for the recent Broadway revival. He has played several roles and has been privileged to serve as Ms. Lee’s assistant on several productions of A Chorus Line.

Forget your troubles come on get happy, with another blockbuster-feel-good season at the Ogunquit Playhouse – where you’ll find the best of Broadway right in your own backyard! Five exciting productions are slated for the 2009 season, running twenty-one weeks from Memorial Day to Columbus Day Weekends. The season continues when Broadway meets Laugh-In, June 17th through July 11th, in this frothy, infectious, all-new production of Shout! The Mod Musical. Then gangsters and gamblers, missionary dolls and showgirls come to town in Broadway’s perfect musical comedy Guys and Dolls, July 15th through August 8th. Next on stage is Singin’ in the Rain – live and raining on the Ogunquit Playhouse stage! It is based on the joyous MGM film touted by many as the best musical ever written, August 12th through September 12th. The season comes to a close when Elvis Presley’s hits roar to life on the Playhouse stage in the new Broadway musical All Shook Up starring Sally Struthers is guaranteed to know your socks off! The Playhouse remains unparalleled in its commitment to provide the highest quality musical theatre, comparable to the best Broadway has to offer - all the glitz, all the glory, all the glam’ for less than half the New York price! Don’t miss your opportunity to see every spectacular show this season!

The Ogunquit Playhouse is America’s Foremost Summer Theatre producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from Memorial Day to Columbus Day Weekends. Main Stage ticket prices range from $41-$60 per show. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season, visit our website www.ogunquitplayhouse.org. Tickets on-line or through the box office at 207-646-5511.

A Chorus Line is a celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre-the chorus dancers, those valiant, overdedicated, underpaid, highly trained performers who back up the star or stars and often make them look even more talented than they are. It is also a celebration of the American Musical itself.

A Chorus Line is also about competition, and competition might easily be the common denominator that grabs the audience and holds it by the collective heartstring until the final, ultimate choices are made. For everyone, at one time or another, puts his life on the line. We all compete, no matter what business we're in, for promotion, for attention, for approval and for love.

Specifically, A Chorus Line takes the audience through the final grueling audition run by the director, Zach, for a new Broadway musical. At the beginning of the show, Zach, a driven, compulsive worker, has assembled thirty semi-finalists and is putting them through a vigorous series of dance combinations, including ballet and jazz. Soon he thins this group down to the final sixteen, eight boys and eight girls. They and the audience know that eventually this number will be cut in half and Zach will choose only four boys and four girls to be in his new musical.

Instead of having them read a short audition scene, Zach wants to elicit a personal history from each one: how they got into "show business," why they became dancers, what their hopes, fantasies and aspirations are. As he calls upon them individually, they react in every possible way, from bravado to reticence. From childhood on, their memories emerge, blending into a seamless series of musical numbers and monologues, some humorous -Dance:Ten; Looks:Three, some poignant-At the Ballet, some group reminiscences when they all share their adolescent experiences-Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love and some intimate when he calls upon Cassie, his former lover who has returned from California to ask for a chorus job after having been a featured performer-The Music and the Mirror. As their individual stories pour out in song-Nothing and in spoken words (Paul's monologue), interspersed by learning dance routines that reveal their ability to perform as a faceless drill team-One, the audience, as well as Zach, gets to know each one of these ambitious entertainers individually, so that by the show's end, they can identify and root for their favorites as well as empathize with all of them because-they all need the job, they all want to work at their craft.

A Chorus Line departs from the usual glossy backstage musical by presenting a true picture of what it's like to be in the theatre: glamorous-yes, at times, but also tough, heartbreaking and sometimes even tragic, in the case of Paul who is knocked out of the competition by an injury sustained during a dance number-The Tap Combination.

After these brave dancers explain why they go through a life filled with rejection and injury-What I Did for Love, Zach makes his selection, eliminating the last group who reluctantly leave the stage. The lights soon fade on the remaining eight ecstatic dancers as they are told to prepare for rehearsals of their new Broadway show. They fade only to come up as each performer, now dressed in full, shimmering finale costume, reappears to receive an individual bow before joining together to perform the brilliant dance finale and showing exactly the talent it takes to make it into a chorus line.