BWW Interviews: On the LINE with Adam Henry 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 (this one's fast approaching on Thursday, June 9). Only this time, she's serious. Very serious. The show she's helming for this particular opening night, you see, is 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, there's a blend familiar faces from local Theater Productions and a whole slew of newcomers. During the run-up to the show's June 9 opening night, we've introduced you to members of Kate's cast - and next up is an actor who might be a new face to you: Adam Henry, smart, talented, charming and good-looking - and he gives good quote.

So where the hell are you from, Adam? Point Pleasant, New Jersey: Home of the Panthers - Go Boro!

Where might we have seen you on a Nashville stage? In Parcel, with Actors' Bridge Ensemble, and You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown for Pull-Tight Players. In New Jersey: Fiddler on the Roof, Wizard of Oz, Charlotte's Web, 42nd Street, Anne of Green Gables, Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon.

What character do you bring to life in A Chorus Line? Gregory Gardner - the stylish, sassy clothes horse.

What's been your biggest challenge to date? As a not-so-professional dancer, keeping up with this amazingly talented cast has worn out my poor little tootsies. Their precision and grace astounds me! I hope I do them justice.

What was your first exposure/experience with A Chorus Line? I actually saw A Chorus Line in its closing months on Broadway in 1990. I was, however, just a wee teenager at the time.

Okay, let's take the gloves off...how are rehearsals going? Is Kate being really mean to anybody yet? Really fun, really hard. Did I mention my dance experience is very limited and I'm pretty sure I'm "dancelexic." No worries though, I have great teachers!

So You Think You Can Dance or Dancing With the Stars? I don't watch either, but I'll go with DWTS because there are people on it over the age of 30.

Just curious, but where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway? Despite my better judgment, I will come clean and say I was actually born in 1976 when ACL premiered. Please don't do the math.

Math was never my strong suit (actually, that's a lie, I'm a math wiz), but never mind. What's your favorite song from the score? The "Hello Twelve Montages" are my favorites. They are so clever and really a treat to do. Everybody loves a ballad, but I think comedic musical numbers are underrated. You can't pause too long for laughter or the music will start without you.

One last query, Adam, no more important than any of the others: Who's your favorite theater critic? As theater critics go: I don't give out my actual birthdate to just anyone, so connect the dots...

- 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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