BWW Interviews: On the LINE with Melissa Silengo of Keeton's A CHORUS LINE

Director/choreographer Kate Adams-Johnson, aka Nashville theater's busiest woman, pulled out all the stops as she was putting yet another cast through the paces that led up to yet another opening night (Thursday, June 9). Only this time, she was serious. Very serious. The show she helmed for this particular opening night, you see, was 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 opening night, we introduced you to members of Kate's cast - and now that the show is up and running, we're happy to introduce you to another cast member...Melissa Silengo...

What is your hometown and your school?
Colorado Springs, Colorado and  Belmont University.

What shows have you done?
Once Upon a Matress, Beauty and the Beast, Annie Get Your Gun, Swing, Titanic, Seussical the Musical, All Shook Up, White Christmas (all in Nashville).

What character do you play in A Chorus Line?
Maggie.

What's the biggest challenge to doing this show?
Fitting it into my schedule and giving it the time and energy it deserves...oh and the pirouettes.

What was your first exposure to A Chorus Line?
I bought the revival soundtrack a couple of years ago, and listened to it a few times. But other than that, this production is my first exposure to the show.

What's the rehearsal process been like for you thus far?
Rehearsals have been very physical, a good workout. And everyone in the cast dances so well, which means we move through things very quickly. It has been a growing experience for me. I have loved meeting my castmates, and we are going to put on a great show!

Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance?  
So You Think You Can Dance.

Where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway?
In 1976, my parents were 16 years old, and I wouldn't be born in my Colorado home for another six years.

What's your favorite song from the score?
For a long time, I've loved "What I did for Love," but now that I get to sing "At the Ballet," that may be my favorite.  

 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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