Set in the 1970’s and based on real Broadway dancers’ stories, as told to fellow dancer and director/choreographer Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line strips away the anonymity of the chorus to reveal fascinating and dimensional artists. With a famous score and iconic choreography, A Chorus Line is both timeless and refreshingly honest.

(in alphabetical order) 

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors 
and Stage Managers in the United States

SPECIAL THANKS
Finale Costumes executed by MJK Costumes, Matthew Kilgore
Additional Casting - Lara Hayhurst
Syracuse Stage
Ryan Miller
Mr. Mills Enterprises 
Bob Frame

(in alphabetical order) 

The REV Theatre Company is a professional
theatre employing members of
Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional 
Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The REV Theatre Company is a professional
theatre employing members of the
American Federation of Musicians.

The REV Theatre Company is a professional
theatre employing members of United Scenic Artists,
Local USA 829, a union of Designers,
Artists and Craftspeople in the United States.

The Director-Choreographer is a member of the
STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS
SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union

Made possible by the New York State Council
on the Arts with the support of the Office of the
Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Sign Language Performances: For patrons who communicate with American Sign
Language, we offer an interpreted performance at selected productions.

Please visit TheREVTheatre.com/ASL for more details.

 The REV Theatre Company is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre.

AN AUDITION
Time: 1975
Place: A Broadway Theatre

"This show is dedicated to anyone who has ever danced in a chorus or
marched in step...anywhere." — Michael Bennett

A loving tribute from his sister, Barbara Walsh

Welcome everyone to The REV THEATRE COMPANY and to the nine-time Tony Award winning musical, A Chorus Line. A Chorus Line was one of the longest-running musicals on Broadway, and has been revived and performed in regional theaters and around the world since its premiere nearly 50 years ago. How lucky are we to have this renowned musical back in our quaint, charming, historic town  of Auburn, NY?

My brother, Thommie Walsh, created and played the role of Bobby in the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line. It all began in 1974, when Thommie was invited by choreographer Tony Stevens and dancer Michon Peacock to participate in a series of frank conversations among Broadway dancers about their experiences, hopes, and dreams. The result of these conversations was Michael Bennett’s A Chorus Line. Thommie’s experiences growing up are highlighted in the show within Bobby’s monologue. That fierce monologue, often insightful and at times biting, highlighted what Thommie’s life was like in Auburn, NY. Growing up he had to overcome occasional taunts and mean spiritedness, but his personal strength and resilience carried him in his pursuit of his dreams. And his nightly delivery of this monologue was pure perfection. 

Thommie loved the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. He performed here as an adolescent under the direction of Sue Riford, whose love of theatre inspired her to found the company. He came back to Auburn and the Merry-Go-Round to direct, choreograph, and assist Vinnie Telesco, who directed the debut of A Chorus Line at the Playhouse in 1986. Additionally, Thommie brought many talented Broadway performers to Auburn for various fundraisers and some of his award-winning shows were performed at this prestigious theater. He indeed loved the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse! 

Thommie’s journey began at age 5 with my parents, Jitch and Ellie, watching their little boy as he danced around the living room. Thommie was compelled at an early age to express himself through dance. You could find him dancing during the summers at Jitch’s hotdog stand on Owasco Lake on the patio under the stars and the large colorful nostalgic Christmas lights hung in August, while the Wurlitzer jukebox played. 

Little did anyone know that it was only the beginning of a legacy. Later, he enrolled at the Irma Baker School of Dance in Auburn. Irma tapped into his soul and helped him discover his purpose, his passion, and the power of performing. 

After many years of mastering his craft, attending Boston Conservatory, and moving to NYC, Thommie became a leading force on Broadway as a director, choreographer, and author. He earned two Tony Awards and two Drama Desk Awards during his extraordinary and successful Broadway career. Thommie brought his instincts, insights, and invaluable talents to Broadway musicals such as Nine, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, My One and Only, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, My Favorite Year, 1940s Radio Hour, and many others. As a brilliant director, choreographer, and with an established reputation in the industry, Thommie was brought in as a “show doctor” to enhance and restage dance numbers for many shows during the 1980’s, such as Grand Hotel, Tap Dance Kid, and the Grand Tour. Thommie accomplished so much in his very short 57 years.

In 1990, he again came back to his home on Owasco Lake. Here, he co-wrote the book “On the Line” with Baayork Lee, another original cast member of A Chorus Line. The book portrays the origin and evolution of A Chorus Line and consists entirely of interviews with all the dancers, giving a first-hand account of the making of the show. It is a must-read for theatre lovers! Do you remember Thommie’s acceptance speech for his first Tony Award in 1980? He approached the podium and immediately said “Oh God, I hope my hometown of Auburn, New York is watching...I really do...But before I came to the awards, I realized that the Yankees are playing Seattle on another network, so I doubt very much that they are!” Auburn was watching Thommie, and we were all applauding and listening to your acceptance speech!

Thommie was a true artist, one who was well-rounded, culturally aware, and found SO much joy and happiness performing and dancing. HIS PERSONALITY SIMPLY SPARKLED—rich with magical, musical and artistic qualities. Thommie was clever, he was mysterious, charismatic, adventurous, a “style extraordinaire”, compassionate, giving, and a true gentleman. He was unique, witty and smart, and his humor entertained all who knew him. People felt better after experiencing time with Thommie, he made them feel as if they were the only person who mattered. These feelings were genuine as Thommie held much devotion and loyalty towards family, friends, and the people in his life. He led his life with his heart. In a very, very fierce, competitive, and cutthroat business, Thommie remained graceful and humble!

An additional outstanding achievement of Thommie’s journey is how he shared his artistry and love of musical theater with the next generation. Thommie held a strong conviction that it was important to encourage new artists to achieve their aspirations and pursue their hopes and dreams in theater. He exposed and welcomed new artists to the performing arts by teaching some of his invaluable talents. People of all ages from across the country and world were influenced by Thommie in so many ways.

Beyond dance, he taught them how to succeed in show business, how to be a professional, and the importance of determination, perseverance and just “having heart.” He stressed how to be prepared for an audition, how to accept rejections, how to use your talent to create your own shows, your own opportunities, and find venues where you can share your gifts with the world. He would also tell them “…even if your heart is broken after an audition, never, never give up your dream…there is always another audition, always another show, and always another opening.” He further emphasized “...no matter how much resistance you get, or how hard it gets…Dooooo it anyway!” As you can see, we have a legacy here in Auburn and a connection to some of the best musical theater Broadway saw in the 20th Century, and that Auburn connection is my beautiful brother Thommie, who I love so dearly. My family and I would love to have his name, his originality, and legacy as part of Auburn always. 

I would like to express my endless gratitude to the Board of Directors and to Brett Smock, The REV’s Producing Artistic Director for honoring Thommie and keeping his legacy alive. Thommie would be thrilled to know that his hometown of Auburn, NY is recognizing the ongoing and generational value of A Chorus Line. It is a classic. Even if you've seen it before, take this opportunity to fall in love with it all over again. 

Everyone, enjoy this intelligent, unique, compelling and honest show!

With much love and gratitude, 

Barbara Walsh