Change in director doesn't stop Elgin Summer Theatre's 'A Chorus Line'
Although a new director took charge of Elgin Summer Theatre's "A Chorus Line" just a month before opening night, everyone involved is confident they'll put on a great show.
The musical opens Friday, July 15, at the Hemmens Cultural Center and runs through July 24.
"The music is really good. The storyline is very cohesive. It's a well-written show," said Butch Wilhelmi, director of the Hemmens. "There's a lot of talent on stage and in the orchestra pit. It's a really quality production."
Elgin Summer Theatre is a Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and city of Elgin-funded group showcasing regional talent.
"A Chorus Line" is about 17 dancers auditioning for a spot on a chorus line in a Broadway musical, sharing their stories on what being in show business and this production means to them.
About two weeks after rehearsal started in June, former director Charlie Brieger was arrested on charges of sexual assault, leaving the 30-person cast to question whether the show could go on.
"(The cast was) shocked. A lot of people knew Charlie and worked with him before," Wilhelmi said. "The main reaction of the cast was, 'What do we need to do to make sure this still happens?'"
Former musical director Nikki Tolentino took over as head director with a month remaining before the premiere.
"It was very stressful. It's been exhausting. I'm really glad I have such a talented and hardworking cast," Tolentino said. "I think they deserve an audience for all the work they have put into the show. For all of the circumstances that have happened, I think they really do have a great show."
Tolentino said she fell in love with the show because of its focus on the behind-the-scenes characters of a Broadway musical.
"It shows the human side to people. Musicals usually focus on the stars. This focuses on the chorus line and the ensemble and the ensemble are people too," Tolentino said. "Behind the glamour of a Broadway show, these are still people, and they still have lives."
With the characters sharing their diverse stories, actor Dave Newton said the production provides a message for the audience.
"The message is they all come from different backgrounds and have different experiences growing up, and they're all a little damaged, but in the end they all love dance so much and nothing from their past stops them from doing that," Newton said. "It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. As long as you believe in something, you can make that happen."
"A Chorus Line" shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 15-16 and 22-23, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 17 and 24, at 45 Symphony Way in Elgin.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. For more information, visit cityofelgin.org.
If you go
What: Elgin Summer Theatre's production of "A Chorus Line"
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 15-16 and 22-23, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 17 and 24
Where: The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
Tickets: $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors Details: <a href="http://www.cityofelgin.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1704">cityofelgin.org</a> or (847) 941-5900.