A Chorus Line Arrives at Stadium Theatre

A Chorus Line, one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals of all time, will be performed at the Stadium Theatre from March 2 – 4. The show follows 17 chorus dancers and puts them through the final grueling audition run by the director, Zach, for a new Broadway musical.

The music is by Marvin Hamlisch with lyrics by Edward Kleban. The songs include “I Hope I Get It,” “At The Ballet,” “One” and “What I Did For Love.”

Kristen Arsenault, from Easton, Mass, plays Cassie, a once successful solo dancer down on her luck and a former love of Zach’s. The rehearsal process has been physically demanding, according to Arsenault, who appeared in the National Touring Company of Cats as Rumpleteazer.

“It’s a tough show,” Arsenault said. “It’s really an ensemble show, which is different from other shows out there. Every character has either a song, a dance, a monologue or a mixture of all of them. You have to be able to sing, dance and act.

“It’s a high being up on stage,” Arsenault continued, adding: “You’re just throwing your life out there and giving it your everything and having the audience take that in and then reciprocate something back. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Arsenault said the success of A Chorus Line is due in part to the vulnerability of the characters.

Arsenault’s husband, Joe Arsenault, plays Don, another of the aspiring dancers. Joe appeared in the Stadium’s production of American Idiot last summer. He had never seen the show before except for a few video clips, and explained he wanted to bring his own perspective to the character.

“I really enjoy the experience the audience gets from watching the show,” Joe said. “That motivates me to do the best that I can.”

West Warwick native Chantell Arraial plays Diana, the only character in the show who performs two songs. Arraial appeared in the Stadium’s recent production of West Side Story.

“Performing, being on stage is my second home,” Arraial said.

A Chorus Line strikes a chord with audiences due to the universal need for acceptance, Arraial and Arsenault explained.

“So many people can relate to the stories being told,” Arraial noted. “You don’t realize the person sitting next to you had the same experience as you had before.”

“For any of the performers out there who watch the show, it hits home to them because it’s exactly what they’ve been through,” Arsenault said. “It’s their story of what it’s like to audition for a show, and you get cut and it feels awful or you get kept and it feels great.”

A Chorus Line will be performed March 2-4, Stadium Theatre. 28 Monument  Square, Woonsocket. Tickets are available at the Stadium Theatre Box Office or by calling 401-762-4545 and online at stadiumtheatre.com