'Chorus Line' of kids put own spin on classic Broadway tale at Theatre Macon

"A Chorus Line" is one of the rare gems that makes a play within a play seem like a natural phenomenon. Centered on a group of Broadway dancers auditioning for a position on the chorus line, the musical is set on the bare stage of a theater, while at the same time, set in the hearts and dreams of the performers.

"A Chorus Line" provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.

With a cast of more than 20 young actors, Theatre Macon's Youth Actor's Company performance of "A Chorus Line," which opens Saturday, promises to deliver on the glitz, glam, heartache, heartbreak and ultimately, the rewards found in pursing dreams on stage.

"We have changed a few things to make the show a bit more PG-13, rather than adult," said Spencer Maddox, co-director and choreographer. "Nothing changed takes away from the storyline. Some of the content was a bit mature for the kids, so we changed some of the songs so that the actors and their parents were all right with the material. We consulted with our actors and their parents, as well as some youth pastors, to help us make sure that the material was age appropriate."

Maddox said the kids are having a fun time with the material.

"Over all, the kids are doing a really good job. They are taking everything and running with it. They definitely have their own sense of the characters," he said. "If you've seen the movie, you will see that some of the characters are little different, but the kids are taking this in stride and doing a great job."

The show's crew is made up of high school students, who operate the lights and sound.

"They handle a lot of the mechanics and that is huge with this show. If you think of 'A Chorus Line,' a tremendous amount has to be done with lighting and sound. They come in like every cast member and do their jobs. It's a very professional group."

And in typical Broadway fashion, the show is filled with big musical numbers.

"Some of the big numbers of the show include 'One,' which talks about having to blend in. It is a very complex number with a lot of moving parts. It's definitely a favorite moment, complete with gold tuxes and top hats," Maddox said. "Some of the fun numbers include 'This and That' and 'At the Ballet,' which are definitely favorites. The girls singing these songs are doing a wonderful job and the story being told is incredible."

The show's co-director, Colby Marshall, worked with Maddox on choreography. What resulted was demanding and driven performances by the kids in the show.

"Several of the kids have said this is the hardest they've ever danced -- and I believe it," Maddox said. "Some of them are new and some are seasoned, but this is a show that is known for its dancing and we definitely didn't cut anyone any slack. Seeing these kids develop has been eye-opening to me to watch how much they've gotten out of the dancing, but it's definitely something that they take pride in and enjoy."

"A Chorus Line"

When: 8 p.m. Jan. 9, 15-16; 2:30 p.m. Jan. 10 and 17

Where: Theatre Macon, 438 Cherry St.

Cost: $18 adults; $12 children/students through age 22

Information: www.theatremacon.com

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 6:25 PM with the headline "'Chorus Line' of kids put own spin on classic Broadway tale at Theatre Macon ."