Tony Winner Michele Pawk to Helm Wagner College Theatre's A CHORUS LINE

Tony Award-winner and Broadway veteran Michele Pawk will direct A Chorus Line, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical at Wagner College Theatre, April 13-24.

Conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line has a book James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The original New York production was co-choreographed by Bob Avian.

Wagner's production features choreography by Maggie Marino Pitts '07, with musical direction by Dr. Lauri Young (WCT's Iolanthe and The Most Happy Fella).

A Chorus Line is described as "the musical for everyone who has ever put it all on the line in pursuit of their dreams." From the original program notes: "The characters portrayed in A Chorus Line are, for the most part, based upon the lives of Broadway dancers. This show is dedicated to anyone who has ever danced in a chorus or marched in step...anywhere."

Following an Off-Broadway run at the Public Theater, A Chorus Line opened on Broadway July 25, 1975 at the Shubert Theatre, where it played an acclaimed record-breaking 6,137 performance run. The original Broadway cast included Donna McKechnie, Kelly Bishop, Priscilla Lopez, Thommie Walsh, Baayork Lee, Wayne Cilento, Sammy Williams, and Robert LuPone. Among the ten 1976 Tony Awards the show won, McKechnie, Bishop and Williams took home Tony acting honors.

Wagner College Theatre's production features Noah Bridgestock as Zach, Kelly Swint as Cassie, Nina Gabriella Gross as Diana, Victoria Puza as Sheila, Mari Skoultchi as Connie, Tyler Roberts as Greg, Darnell Xavier Kenny as Richie, Jacob Cowan as Bobby, Emma Pittman as Judy, Zachary Berteletti as Paul, Sabrina Kalman as Val, Jonathan Quigley as Mark, Megan Lione as Maggie, Clint Maddox Thompson as Larry, Bobbi Barricella as Kristine, Christian Alvarez as Al, Jason Rath as Mike, Serina Figuerias as Bebe, Alec Reiss as Don, Samantha Ross as Lois, MIchael Motkowski as Roy, Matt Healy as Tom, Kanyi Creppy as Butch, Jonah Hale as Frank, Carolyn Savoia as Trisha, and Lola Silver as Vicki.

The creative team includes scenic design by Brian Sharron, lights by Vicki Neal, costumes by Kurt Alger, and sound by Ernie Jackson. Angie Nortz is production stage manager. Adam Benjamin is assistant director. Michelle Morris is assistant to the choreographer.

Wagner College Theatre has previously presented A Chorus Line in 1993 and 2001.

Performances of A Chorus Line are Wednesday through Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Saturday at 2pm; added Sunday matinee April 24 at 2pm. Located in Main Hall, the Wagner College Theatre box office can be contacted at (718) 390-3259 or boxoffice@wagner.edu. Wagner College Theatre Box Office hours are Monday through Friday 12:00Noon-4:00pm. Single tickets are on sale now with price ranges for children, senior and adult tickets. Wagner College students attend free with current ID.