A CHORUS LINE Comes to Sydney

The all-new Australian production of the American Broadway musical A CHORUS LINE will play at Sydney's Capitol Theatre for 21 performances only from 20 July, 2012.

Having played to full houses in Adelaide and Melbourne, this musical is directed and re-staged by Baayork Lee, one of the original cast members and inspirations from the Tony Award® winning 1975 production.

The sensational cast of 30 is headed by Josh Horner (Billy Elliot on Broadway, Tivoli, Dirty Dancing, Dancing With the Stars) who plays formidable Broadway director, Zach.

Josh says "This role of Zach really speaks to me. You see people giving their heart and soul and you are in control of their dreams. I've been on both sides of that role so A CHORUS LINE mirrors perfectly my life as a dancer."

Starring as Cassie is Australian star of the West End, Anita Louise Combe who made her first professional appearance on stage as Sillabub in the Australian Premiere Production of Cats followed by Cosette in Les Miserables. Anita is one of the few people in the world to date who has played both roles of Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly in the production of Chicago in the West End. Anita created the role of Stephanie Mangano in the World Premiere Production of Saturday Night Fever opposite fellow Australian, Adam Garcia and played Betty in Sunset Boulevard in London and Toronto.

Producer Tim Lawson says "I am thrilled that Sydney audiences will be able to share the magic of A CHORUS LINE. With the popularity of shows such as X Factor, Australian Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, I knew the time was right for A CHORUS LINE to be presented. People have a newly found understanding and insight into the dreams and challenges of aspiring performers. It has thrilled audiences in Adelaide and Melbourne, and I am sure Sydney audiences will be similarly enthralled."

A CHORUS LINE was originally conceived, choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, featuring a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. The original production of A CHORUS LINE opened at The Public Theatre's Newman Theatre in 1975 and transferred to Broadway's Shubert Theatre later that year. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, nine Tony AwardsÒ, including Best Musical, Score and Book, seven Drama Desk Awards and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. It ran for 6,137 performances over 15 years becoming the longest running musical in Broadway history.

Director Baayork Lee has been involved in A CHORUS LINE since 1975, when she was invited by director Michael Bennett to participate in the workshops from which the show was developed, with the role of Connie Wong in large part based on her own life. She has since directed and choreographed 35 international productions of the show with her knowledge and passion lending an inspiration to dancers around the globe and to the tapestry of each new production.

"The Australian production has caught the attention of international promoters as well, with bookings through Asia and Europe in place. The Sydney production, for that reason, is limited to 21 performances only."

"Our production is particularly special in that it boasts a truly remarkable cast of both newly discovered talent and industry stalwarts. They take the experience to an incredible level" says Mr Lawson.

A CHORUS LINE tells the tale of 17 dancers desperately auditioning for eight stage roles in a musical. In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for – with every drop of sweat, every hour of practice, every minute of every day of their lives. Their personal human stories are told through captivating song, riveting drama and stunning choreography.

Visit http://www.achorusline.com.au for more information and tickets.

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