“Few theaters tackle A CHORUS LINE, because to do so you need a strong ensemble who can sing, act, and dance like there is no tomorrow. It is a show reserved only for true triple threat performers who can belt and twirl for two hours straight with no break or respite. The cast performing on the TUTS stage is top-notch. Every single actor is leaving everything out there, and we feel their passion seep out into this production.”
Brian thoroughly enjoyed his time as “Mark” in A Chorus Line at Theatre Under The Stars. Performing Michael Bennett’s iconic choreography to Marvin Hamlisch’s invigorating score at The Hobby Center was truly a moment to remember. It was a blessing to have a team of actors who challenged the norms of A Chorus Line and who invited audiences to investigate new characters, lyrics, text, and movement. A huge part of that fresh perspective is because of Julie Kramer (Director) and Jessica Hartman (Choreographer).
“Director Julie Kramer and choreographer Jessica Hartman have stayed true to the 1975 vision, but also managed to make it more energetic and faster paced. The dancers often seem to defy gravity and levitate during numbers, and it’s all gorgeously staged and executed.”
Julie Kramer is a critically-acclaimed director, known for her work developing new plays and musicals. Her adaptation of Rona Jaffe's THE BEST OF EVERYTHING was named a "Critics Pick" by The New York Times and one of the Best Plays of 2012 in The Huffington Post. Other directing credits include MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY and OUTSIDE MULLINGAR (Pioneer Theater); HILLARY: A MODERN GREEK TRAGEDY WITH A (SOMEWHAT) HAPPY ENDING (New Georges), NONE OF THE ABOVE (Theatre Row). She has also directed at EST, Keen Company, Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and the HBO/Aspen Comedy Festival.
Jessica Hartman has worked on The Boy From Oz on Broadway starring Hugh Jackman (Associate Choreographer/Dance Captain/Swing), Lysistrata Jones on Broadway (Associate Choreographer), Showtune Off-Broadway (Assistant Director and Choreographer to Joey McKneely), as well as working with Tony nominated Broadway Choreographer, Dan Knechtges on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in Berlin, and around the country. She has also worked at Goodspeed Opera House, TUTS, 5th Avenue Theatre, Signature Theatre, The MUNY, Arena Stage, Pasadena Playhouse, The New Victory Theatre, the NYC Fringe Festival, Ford’s Theatre, Dallas Theatre Center, Olney Theatre as well as choreographing new shows for Norwegian Creative Studios/Oceana Regatta and Sirena as well as for Carnival Cruise Lines.
Brian was honored to work with the incredible artists at Theatre Under The Stars. Check out the sneak peek below!