On the LINE: Chad Ray 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.

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 few weeks, you'll get to know the  members of The Keeton Theatre's cast - as you'll see, some of them have much to learn about being interviewed by "Nashville's favorite theater critic." Next up is Chad Ray...who has quickly learned his way around a tricky interviewer on just his second show...

Where did you grow up?  Eupora, Mississippi;I graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in broadcast communication and minor in public relations.

What shows have you done? The only show that I've done on stage besides A Chorus Line was the Keeton's production of The Three Musketeers. That was my introduction to Nashvillet theater and my "real" theater role. Before this, I'd just done improv and skits in church settings and for LifeWay Christian Resources' Summer Student Camp, where I was one of the lead actors for several camps for a few years.

What character do you play in A Chorus Line? I play the role of Al Deluca.

What's the biggest challenge to doing this show? The dancing. I have very little dance background, and by little I mean barely any dance at all. I grew up watching Gene Kelly and MGM musicals; I always wanted to study dance, but being raised in the rural South, getting real training in that was both unavailable as well as discouraged. It has been a challenge, but  a great joy to get to finally learn to dance. I am doing everything I can to look like a dancer. Many in the cast have backgrounds in dance and I have to dance alongside them and look just as good. The cast has been very encouraging and helpful.

So what was your first exposure to A Chorus Line? I remember seeing parts of the film version several years ago. I've always known the song "What I Did For Love," but I don't think I was aware it came from this musical until I got cast.

Well, the film wasn't very good; the play is so much better. What's the rehearsal process been like for you thus far? Has Kate threatened you or cracked her whip across anyone's back (I'm trying desperately to stir up something)? I look forward to rehearsals. I love the dancing and accept the challenge it entails. I was a closeted theater nerd most of my life, never thinking I was good enough to actually be onstage, so for me the fact that I'm in such a wonderful production with this cast and director is always a great day. Yes, there are challenges, and I'm still pushing through my lack of self-confidence, but this play and the encouragement I've received has helped me to do so. The dance rehearsals have been long and challenging to remember all the steps, but we're determined to get it right!

You're impossible to break, aren't you, Mr. Ray? Let's change the subject: Dancing With the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance? For me, Dancing With the Stars. It's a show that involves most of the "stars" learning dances that they are not familiar with. I sympathize with that every day I walk into that dance studio.

Where were you in 1976 when A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway? Several years from conception. I don't even think my parents were married that year.

Jeez. I feel very old talking to you people! What's your favorite song from the score? I love "Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love." Every person can relate to that song. It's [about] the awkward stages of growing up. Everyone gets that. Personally I understand the opening number "I Hope I Get It" because over the past several years I've done countless auditions for film and been turned down more times than I can count. It's a song I can relate to and will probably always stay in my head every time I go to an audition.

Okay, Chad, one more question - and it should be an easy one - who's your favorite theater critic? I'm still learning a lot of names and who people are in the theatre world. I've known composers, major performers, etc. I'm still learning the behind-the-scenes people like critics, set designers and choreographers. At this moment I can't place a name because I haven't been able to actually dedicate myself to the readings. I do have several friends in Nashville who rely alot on what Mr. Ellis writes, so you automatically earn my respect.

Obviously, he's a fast learner and is a veteran already. Go watch him sing and dance.

• 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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