BWW Interviews: On The LINE - Abby Horrell from Keeton's A CHORUS LINE

Director Kate Adams-Johnson, aka Nashville's busiest choreographer, is putting yet another cast through its paces in preparation for yet another opening night. Only this time, she's serious. Very serious. The show she's helming this time, you see, seems to be every dancer's holy grail: A Chorus Line.

 "In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A Chorus Line the musical for everyone who's ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards, including "Best Musical" and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever," reads publicity for the upcoming production.

In the cast, you'll find a blending of familiar faces and newcomers. During the run-up to the show's June 9 opening night, we'll introduce you to Kate's cast - and next up is a relative Nashville theater newbie: Abby Horrell, who is so young (she's a rising senior at University School of Nashville) that even the movie version of A Chorus Line was out before she was born. But she's obviously talented and has a good head on her shoulders - plus she already knows how to answer the difficult questions...

Tell me, Abby: Where are you from?
I'm a third generation Nashvillian and a rising senior at the University School of Nashville.

What shows have you done?
All Shook Up, The Wizard of Oz, Cabaret and My Fair Lady, all in Nashville.

What character to do you play in A Chorus Line? 
Val Clarke...that one in purple with the fake boobs (supposedly).

So what's been the biggest challenge for you thus far?
The biggest challenge for me is finding the balance between acting like a mature twenty-something-year-old woman and still looking genuine. I've noticed that often, when people are playing someone older, they resort to some pretty obnoxious overacting. But then again, this is musical theater so it's either go full out or get off the stage. I'm working on just being believable I guess. I think there is a lot more to Val than just her boobs and fan kicks.

What's your earliest memory of A Chorus Line? 
I did the opening number at Destination Broadway in New York when I was 13. I remember it being a lot longer than it actually is but just as hard. I also recall being utterly pissed that I didn't get to sing the "I really need this job" line. But I'm still not singing that part so I guess some things don't change. Anyway, after I did that piece I started watching parts of the show on YouTube and became rather attached.

How are rehearsals going? Any backstage gossip you can share? 
Well, the drive is an absolute bitch, but other than that, I couldn't be happier. There is such a difference between high school theater and something regional. It's a completely different energy. Every person in this cast is dedicated, talented, and supportive - not to mention damn good looking. Somehow, every second of rehearsal kicks your ass and makes you ridiculously happy all at the same time. It's like crack. This show makes me feel like I'm on drugs.

So You Think You Can Dance or Dancing With the Stars? 
So You Think You Can Dance. No question. The new season is already set to tivo.

Where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway? 
I think maybe three people in the entire cast were even alive in 1976 and I am definitely not one of them.

What's your favorite song from the show's score?
Probably "What I Did for Love" and "Dance, Ten; Looks, Three." They're both just fun to sing.

Okay, this is not a trick question, but since you're an up-and-coming actor, I have to ask it: Who's your favorite theater critic?  
Jeffrey Ellis, of course. 

• A Chorus Line. Directed and choreographed by Kate Adams-Johnson. Presented by The Larry Keeton Theatre, 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville. June 9-25. Evening shows are at 7:00 p.m., Seating for dinner at 6:00 p.m. Matinee shows are at 2:00 p.m., Seating for lunch at 1:00 p.m. Show tickets: $25.00 with a $1.00 ticketing fee. Show only tickets: $20.00 Special Thursday Patron's Special: $10.00 show only tickets Tickets are available through www.ticketsnashville.com or by calling (615) 883-8375. For more details, visit the company website at www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org.

 

 

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