In the latest episode of "On the Line with Baayork Lee," Baayork talks about how the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line influenced America and how, 35 years later, the show still impacts the theatre and TV industries, including its influences on reality shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing With The Stars." Watch "On the Line with Baayork Lee" video below!
For more information about the national tour, visit the official website at www.achorusline.com.
Q&A with Gina Duci
Reviews on the road have called her “charming, funny and very, very talented” and have labeled her two solos in A CHORUS LINE the “vocal standouts” of the entire show, but Gina Duci, who plays the feisty Diana Morales, has not let any of that praise go to her head. Case in point: her wonderfully easygoing demeanor in the blog post below. In it, Gina talks about her approach to the role of Diana and some of the things that inspire her while she’s not busy being the playing her sassy Puerto Rican alter ego.
Name
Gina Duci
Role
Diana Morales
Describe your favorite song/scene moment in A Chorus Line.
I would have to say that my favorite moment is the alternative scene into “What I Did for Love.” Being able to look around at all my cast members’ faces and say my mini-monologue about "When I used to stand outside of that stage door..." is a moment that brings us all back home and where we came from and that we all used to stand outside of the stage door. Hell, I still do when I go see shows on Broadway! Haha. It's a moment that reminds me every night that I am so lucky to be able to do what I love and share the stage with a beautiful group of people.
The song "Nothing" is such a great example of a song written for a true singer / actor. Do you have any tricks for keeping that song and the story it tells fresh each night?
Actually, my trick is being me! Because that was me in acting class! I always thought those exercises were stupid and I didn't understand how standing like a tree for 20 minutes was going to teach me anything! Haha. I would question myself and wonder if I was cut out for this business because I could never commit myself to being a basketball! I was a person who had feelings, not an object. So, I just channel my feelings then in acting class and the teachers who taught them.
Not only does Diana have "Nothing" on her plate, she also pulls lead vocals on "What I Did For Love." What does that song mean to you personally and how do you keep up with the vocal demands of the show for your character?
The song means exactly what it says. I am so fortunate that I have been given the opportunity to do what I love to do. That if today it was taken away from me all I can do is look forward to tomorrow and what it may bring, but I will never forget what it is that I love and am thankful that I had the chance to experience and share it.
Vocally, I just try to rest after shows and make sure I warm up in the morning even before I talk. I take showers in the morning so I normally warm up in the shower. The voice is a muscle and needs to be warmed before it is used. I mean, a runner wouldn't run a marathon as soon as they rolled out of bed so I've learned that the voice needs to be treated the same.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on or offstage on the tour?
Oh dear, WELL!!! During the montage section while Judy is singing and the cast is in a clump upstage left, a certain someone (and they know who they are!!) stands in front of me, and let out the nastiest smelling fart I have ever smelt!!! I mean, it was like something died inside of them!! And I wanted to kill them! But, it did make me laugh.
Which past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?
Without question! It was Palm Desert. We had beautiful weather, beautiful hotel, beautiful theater, beautiful scenery, just beautiful!!
Name one item you can’t live without while on the road.
My iPhone, I’d be lost! It keeps me in touch with my boyfriend, family and friends, I play games on it and listen to Pandora. It has gotten me through some looooong bus rides.
If you could go back in time and catch one Broadway show what would it be and why?
I'd have to say Funny Girl. To see Barbra Streisand in that role would have been a true gift I'm sure! And Fanny Brice is my other dream role! (Diana was also my dream role.)
What is your favorite showtune and why?
Oooooo this is rough! Well, honestly, "What I Did For Love" has always been a favorite! I sang it as my audition song when I was 10 till I was 15 probably! Haha. Also, "People" from Funny Girl. It is such a beautiful song and has always been a favorite. Also, the song "Calm" from the show Ordinary Days by Adam Gwon. It is so funny and the most fun to sing/act.
What are the top five most listened to song on your iPod?
Oooooooooo that's hard too! Ok, this is musicals excluded!
1. India Arie - "Therapy"
2. Billy Joel - "Just The Way You Are"
3. Alicia Keys - "Doesn't Mean Anything"
4. Pink - "Glitter in the Air"
5. Michael Jackson - "The Way You Make Me Feel" (really any of his songs)
Do you have any pop culture guilty pleasures?
Not really, I don't have the time to watch much TV, but when I do, I will say that I enjoy an episode of "The Real Housewives" and also “Cake Boss”!!
If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as peripatetic, poetic, or chic?
Haha, well! I am NOT poetic! And as much as I would love to say I’m chic (and trust me I try, but you can't look too chic in sweatpants every day while on a bus no matter how hard you try.) Oh, hell! I'm chic! I'm making sweatpants the new chic! ;o)
A Chorus Line's Netanel Bellaishe (Larry)
Check out this video shout-out from Netanel Bellaishe (Larry) in the NETworks Presentations' 2010-2011 national touring company of A CHORUS LINE.
For tickets and more information, visit www.achorusline.com
Q&A with Matthew Couvillon
Rocking denim is hard to do. Matthew Couvillon, who plays Tom Tucker in A CHORUS LINE, should know. As one of the “cut” dancers who does not make it past Zach’s initial audition round, the jeans-clad Tom never gets to share with the audience just how much talent he has. However, the On the Line Blog knows it to be true that Couvillon himself is a fiercely talented dancer who covers several demanding tracks including the athletic Mike and dance captain extraordinaire Larry. Matthew takes a moment to fill out our cast questionnaire below!
Name:
Matthew Couvillon
Role:
Tom Tucker
Describe your favorite song / scene / moment in A Chorus Line.
My favorite moment in the show would have to be Montage 4. The choreography during this section is the most fun because it allows you to truly live in the moment while grasping the style and period of the show.
As one of the cut dancers you get the opportunity to play multiple roles in the show from night to night if one of the principals is out. What is it like keeping multiple tracks straight in your head and who is / would be your favorite role to go on for?
After a rigorous rehearsal process in NYC, months of watching the show and a brief put-in rehearsal I have reached a point where keeping the tracks straight is rather simple. Having gone on for my first covers Mike and Larry many times I must say that my favorite track to cover is Larry.
Tom Tucker has some pretty impressive taste in panstwear… Jeans! What is Tom’s favorite brand of denim, what is your favorite brand of denim and will Tom Tucker be able to single handedly bring blue jeans back?
Tom Tucker is truly the trendsetter of A Chorus Line. When he arrives at the audition he is sporting the latest style of knock-off Levis, a pair of stone washed flare leg denim. He completes his fashion forward look with a raglan sleeve sweatshirt, wide black leather Penguin belt, blue low top Converse and do not forget the small camel hand bag he carries as his dance bag. My favorite brand of denim would also have to be Levis but I try to stay away from the knock-offs!! I do not think that denim ever went out of style, but Tom Tucker is doing a great job at keeping this all-American fashion staple at the forefront of the audition circuit.
Which past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?
Palm Desert!!! Between the beautiful theatre, warm weather, great hotel, swimming pool and free breakfast, it was hands down my favorite tour stop.
This experience would be impossible without my tour friends. And they know who they are!!
What is your favorite Broadway show and why? What is dream role to play and why?
It’s hard to say what my favorite Broadway show would be. But I would have to choose a classic musical with large ensembles and big production numbers. In turn, this is the type of musical I would love to be a part of.
What are the top five most listened to songs on your iPod?
Believe it or not but I do not listen to my iPod very much. While on the bus and during my free time I watch TV episodes. Thus far on tour I have been enjoying Dexter, Will and Grace and Sex and the City. Outdated...maybe, but very much enjoyable!!
Do you have any pop culture guilty pleasures?
I don’t know if it is considered a pop culture guilty pleasure but a definite guilty pleasure for me would have be trash reality television. For some reason I find it very relaxing and I love watching an episode or two after a long work day!
If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as peripatetic, poetic or chic? Why?
Chic!!
Name:
Matthew Couvillon
Role:
Tom Tucker
Describe your favorite song / scene / moment in A Chorus Line.
My favorite moment in the show would have to be Montage 4. The choreography during this section is the most fun because it allows you to truly live in the moment while grasping the style and period of the show.
As one of the cut dancers you get the opportunity to play multiple roles in the show from night to night if one of the principals is out. What is it like keeping multiple tracks straight in your head and who is / would be your favorite role to go on for?
After a rigorous rehearsal process in NYC, months of watching the show and a brief put-in rehearsal I have reached a point where keeping the tracks straight is rather simple. Having gone on for my first covers Mike and Larry many times I must say that my favorite track to cover is Larry.
Tom Tucker has some pretty impressive taste in panstwear… Jeans! What is Tom’s favorite brand of denim, what is your favorite brand of denim and will Tom Tucker be able to single handedly bring blue jeans back?
Tom Tucker is truly the trendsetter of A Chorus Line. When he arrives at the audition he is sporting the latest style of knock-off Levis, a pair of stone washed flare leg denim. He completes his fashion forward look with a raglan sleeve sweatshirt, wide black leather Penguin belt, blue low top Converse and do not forget the small camel hand bag he carries as his dance bag. My favorite brand of denim would also have to be Levis but I try to stay away from the knock-offs!! I do not think that denim ever went out of style, but Tom Tucker is doing a great job at keeping this all-American fashion staple at the forefront of the audition circuit.
Which past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?
Palm Desert!!! Between the beautiful theatre, warm weather, great hotel, swimming pool and free breakfast, it was hands down my favorite tour stop.
Matthew Couvillon as Tom Tucker in A CHORUS LINE
Photo by Phil Martin
Name one item you can’t live without while on the road.Photo by Phil Martin
This experience would be impossible without my tour friends. And they know who they are!!
What is your favorite Broadway show and why? What is dream role to play and why?
It’s hard to say what my favorite Broadway show would be. But I would have to choose a classic musical with large ensembles and big production numbers. In turn, this is the type of musical I would love to be a part of.
What are the top five most listened to songs on your iPod?
Believe it or not but I do not listen to my iPod very much. While on the bus and during my free time I watch TV episodes. Thus far on tour I have been enjoying Dexter, Will and Grace and Sex and the City. Outdated...maybe, but very much enjoyable!!
Do you have any pop culture guilty pleasures?
I don’t know if it is considered a pop culture guilty pleasure but a definite guilty pleasure for me would have be trash reality television. For some reason I find it very relaxing and I love watching an episode or two after a long work day!
If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as peripatetic, poetic or chic? Why?
Chic!!
Win Tickets to A CHORUS LINE in Chattanooga, TN!
 |
| The Company of A CHORUS LINE performs "One" Photo Credit: PHIL MARTIN |
AT MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE!
TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2011 AT 7:30 PM
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. Now it returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s best!
Presented by TAPA and available now as part of the 2010-2011 Broadway Series package. All seats reserved from $31.50 to $56.50 plus convenience fees.
3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER:
1. ONLINE: Click here to buy tickets.
2. BY PHONE: Call (423) 642-TIXS (8497).
3. IN PERSON: Visit the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium Box Office located at 399 McCallie Avenue in Chattanooga, TN. Box Office hours: Monday - Friday, 10 AM to 6:30 PM (EST).
Enter to win two (2) tickets* to see A CHORUS LINE at Memorial Auditorium on March 15, 2011!
To enter, send an e-mail to achoruslineontour@gmail.com with the subject line: “I Hope I Get Tickets to A CHORUS LINE in Chattanooga!” In the body of the e-mail, please include your first and last name, city of residence, and valid e-mail address.
All entries must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern on Monday, February 28, 2011. One winner will be selected at random and notified by e-mail on or around Tuesday, March 1, 2011.
*No purchase necessary to enter or win. Limit one entry per person. Void where prohibited by law. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received at the time of the drawing. Winner is solely responsible for transportation and lodging.
Know someone who lives in or near Chattanooga, Tennessee? Be sure to let them know about A CHORUS LINE and this ticket giveaway by sharing this link (http://bit.ly/gLfS1J) with them!
BUY TICKETS NOW!
It Gets Better - A Chorus Line on Tour
Please be sure to check out a special video message for the It Gets Better Project from A Chorus Line on Tour! Cast members of the national touring company of A CHORUS LINE share their experiences on growing up as individuals who were sometimes considered "different," and how things really do get better.
Q&A with Suzanna Dupree
We at the On the Line blog felt things have been a little heavy on the guys lately. Accordingly, we felt like you out there in cyberland needed to hear from another of our lovely female cast members… not just any gal but the alpha-female, one Ms. Sheila Bryant played with spunk and sass every night by the charming Suzanna Dupree. It’s takes a lot of grace to pull off Sheila’s true grit (as she explains below) and a good sense of humor at that to ad lib through some of the stage’s more… unexpected mishaps.
Suzanna Dupree
Role
Sheila Bryant
Describe your favorite song / scene / moment in A Chorus Line.
My favorite moment?? Hmm... I think I’ll have to go with the charge line at the end of the opening number, also known as “the audition.” The amount of determination present in every character is overwhelming and I get excited to meet all of the other characters on stage with me all over again. I get excited to see what the others will bring to the table each night and I like learning the stories, past trials and tribulations of these people I am sharing the stage with and how their paths of life differ from mine. Of course, I always love cracking those sassy Sheila jokes on the line every night with Bobby (Hardy Weaver). We try to change it up to keep it interesting!
Sheila is known primarily as a sassy gal, but there are many shades to her character. What is something interesting about her that you have learned in playing her?
Sassy, yes! She does love to throw out a zinger whenever possible. However, I’ve learned that there is a fine line between playing her as a jaded has-been versus a vulnerable person who has been through a lot in her lifetime and uses humor as an escape from the harsh reality that the longevity of her career as a dancer is slowly dwindling. I truly love getting to play such a multi-faceted character every night, I feel so lucky!
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you on or offstage on the tour?
Oh god, I’m still so embarrassed and scarred to this day from this moment. A few weeks ago in Phoenix in the middle of my scene with Zach, I start with my hair up in a bun and then he asks me to “let it down.” Weeeelllllllllll, that proved to be an impossible task this particular evening! I normally have a few measures of music and my line “that’s what I’ve been trying to do.” After numerous tries of trying to untangle it from my curls, I proceeded to yank it, hoping I could just lose a few chunks of hair in the process but still successfully take it OUT of my hair. No such luck. Finally realizing that the rubber band wasn’t going to budge, and hearing everybody else on the line cracking up (thanks again, guys) I resigned myself to leaving it in my hair for the rest of the time I was onstage, just tucked under the rest of my hair. Luckily it was a blonde rubber band!!
Which past tour stop has been your favorite thus far and why?
Every stop in California has been a dream, but if I had to pick just one, I think it’d be Santa Barbara. I mean, State Street shopping, the beach and 75-degree weather. Need I say more??
Suzanna Dupree as Sheila in A CHORUS LINE
Photo by Phil Martin
Name one item you can’t live without while on the road.
PANDORA on my iPod! I swear to you I truly could not live without it! And if you’re looking for a good station, try the Bruno Mars station. It will change your life, I promise!
What is your favorite Broadway show and why?
I have always been terrible at answering this question. Although my answer will probably be different tomorrow, today my answer is Promises, Promises. Partly because I just got the soundtrack from a friend so it’s fresh on my brain, and partly because I have a littttlleeee inside joke with some friends back in NY involving this show…
What is your dream role to play and why?
AH!! Another tough one. Honestly, I’d LOVE to play Inga in Young Frankenstein because she gets to dance, sing and act. Charity in Sweet Charity is up there too! Any triple threat role would be a dream come true for me!
What are the top five most listened to songs on your iPod?
1. “Just the Way You Are” – Bruno Mars
2. “The Story” – Brandi Carlile (download it, NOW!)
3. “Hold My Hand” – Duet with Michael Jackson & Akon
4. “Haven’t Met You Yet” - Michael Buble
5. “Glitter In the Air” - Pink
Do you have any pop culture guilty pleasures?
I have to say, spending hours upon hours on the bus has made me even more addicted to Facebook and Twitter than I ever thought possible. I think after tour, I might need to take a little hiatus from both of them to feel sane again!!
If you had to pick just one, would you describe yourself as peripatetic, poetic or chic? Why?
Well, chic, of course. Did you even have to ask?? ;);)
Video Clips from A Chorus Line
Watch video clips in this playlist from the 2010-2011 national tour of A Chorus Line, including a montage, "I Hope I Get It," "Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love," "Gimme the Ball," "The Music and the Mirror," and "One"!
For even more videos, visit www.youtube.com/networksontour.
For even more videos, visit www.youtube.com/networksontour.
A Chorus Line's Paul Flanagan (Video)
A Chorus Line on Tour will be performing at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia, WA, and at Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA next week. Check out this video featuring native Washingtonian, Paul Flanagan, who plays the role of "Al" on tour!
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