One singular sensation: A Chorus Line comes to Titchfield – and into your home
A Chorus Line is one of the longest running shows in the history of Broadway and this July the production is coming to Titchfield Festival Theatre for the very first time. The story explores the lives of dancers as they audition for a place in the new musical, directed by Zach, who has a confrontational and authoritative style.
The show is one of three shows being produced this summer as TFT reopens following the coronavirus pandemic. It is also an important milestone for one of the UK’s largest community theatres; A Chorus Line is also one of the first to be streamed live thanks to the purchase of high-quality HD cameras, mixing and streaming equipment. The investment will enable patrons self-isolating and those who prefer to watch the musical in the comfort of their own home, free of charge. Details on how to view the show live will be available soon.
Rehearsals for A Chorus Line during the lockdown have presented significant challenges for co-directors Becky Weaving and Sam Goodall, with cast members unable to rehearse together. The need to maintain safe and social distancing on stage and in the theatre has also required careful planning, Becky explained:
“A Chorus Line is my favourite musical and I am delighted to be directing the show along with Sam. The pandemic has certainly made the life of a director a completely different experience! However, I can honestly say that I have loved it despite the lockdown. We have had ‘virtual rehearsals’ of the cast singing and dancing and the cast have sent videos via Zoom for us both to critique. Posts on social media have been important too, helping to keep up morale.
“Sam and I have had to make changes though. We have had to adapt the music, the choreography and accommodate people on stage to maintain a safe distance. To do this, we have put 2m markers on the stage for the cast members. We also now have a one-way system to ensure there is no crossing in the corridors. It has been a test – but fun too. We can’t wait for opening night.”
Like Becky, this is Sam’s first production performing the role of director, with both also performing on stage. Sam said, “Whilst it has been stressful at times, directing at a distance, it has been great to see how our cast members have evolved over the last few weeks, gaining confidence and performing in their roles. For me, theatre is an incredibly social experience – especially musicals – so I am really looking forward to meeting up with everyone again.”
Titchfield Festival Theatre has purchased an ozone generator - normally used in hospitals - which will thoroughly cleanse the theatre (stage, auditoria, public areas and backstage) of any viruses or potential infection , following each performance. TFT has also introduced 2 metre spacing between the seats in the auditoria and safe distancing in the bars. Hand sanitising stations will also be available throughout the venues and a thermal check as you enter the theatre.
A Chorus Line is a perfect choice for one of TFT’s first two shows since March, with sizzling dance numbers accompanying Marvin Hamlisch's snappy, agile score in this unforgettable musical.
Who will be the lucky ones? Come along or follow us live or on your screens at home to find out.
A Chorus Line opens on Monday 27 July in the Oak Theatre and runs until Saturday 1 August. There is a matinée showing on Saturday.
For more information including booking tickets, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.