On the LINE: Andy Mann from Keeton Theatre's A CHORUS LINE

Director Kate Adams-Johnson, aka Nashville's busiest choreographer, is putting yet another cast through the paces in preparation for another opening night. But this time, she's serious. Very serious. The show, you see, is every dancer's favorite musical: A Chorus Line, with music direction by the legendary Ginger Newman.

The company's publicity tells us: "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."

Kate's cast is a blending of familiar faces and newcomers and so over the next couple of weeks, we're introducing the  members of The Keeton Theatre's cast to you. As you'll see, some of them have much to learn about being interviewed by "Nashville's most beloved theater critic." First up is Andy Mann...

So who the hell are you, anyway, and where'd you go to school? Andy Mann, Nashville, Tennessee. I went to American Musical and Dramatic Academy and Lindsey Wilson College.

What shows have you done? Please tell me you've done a musical before. West Side Story. Grease - I mean who hasn't?  Dracula - glad that one is over; and The Producers.

What character do you play in A Chorus Line? Don.  The all American boy, father of two, delightfully handsome. Well I added that part but it is true. I mean look at that smile.

What's your biggest challenge to doing this show? Being a real dad, having a full time job, doing my best at those and this show.

What was your first exposure to A Chorus Line? Rocking out to an 8-track and asking my parents what gonorrhea was? I thought it was a hard-on. Oy. Childhood innocence.

 

 

What's the rehearsal process been like for you thus far? Is Kate cracking the whip yet? Exciting!  Love quick rehearsal schedules! Keeps everyone up and at 'em!

 

 

Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance? For sure SYTYCD, I feel like they actually create something instead of creating fools of themselves.

Where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway? I was seven years from being born... my dad was only 11 in 1976, so I don't even know if I was a twinkle in his eye yet. ? I love the opening "God I Hope I Get It."  I mean it is the world's longest audition and who hasn't been there.

I think I'll just ignore that last answer. What's your favorite song from the score

 

Who's your favorite theater critic?

I do not have a favorite other than my mother; however I am open to auditions.

That was a trick question.

 

 

 

 

• 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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