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<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN class=pub_date>Three final performances will
be held Thursday - Saturday, August 16, 17, 18th. All shows at 8 p.m.
</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN class=pub_date>Order tickets by calling (440)
964-3396.</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial><SPAN class=pub_date></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
class=pub_date></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial><FONT size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN
class=pub_date>August 10, 2012</SPAN> </FONT></FONT></DIV>
<H3><A class="url entry-title"
href="http://starbeacon.com/entertainment/x328574226/Expect-a-hot-time-with-A-Chorus-Line-at-Straw-Hat"
rel=bookmark>Expect a hot time with ‘A Chorus Line’ at Straw Hat</A> </H3>
<H4 class=subhead>A REVIEW</H4>
<P class=story_meta><SPAN class="author vcard"><SPAN class="story_credit fn">By
ROGER SMITH</SPAN> </SPAN><SPAN class="source-org vcard story_source"><A
style="COLOR: #000" href="http://starbeacon.com/">Star Beacon</A> <A
style="DISPLAY: none" class="url org fn" href="http://starbeacon.com/">The Star
Beacon</A> </SPAN><SPAN style="DISPLAY: none" class="updated dtstamp"
title=2012-08-10T00:33:00Z>Fri Aug 10, 2012, 12:33 AM EDT</SPAN> </P>
<DIV class=entry-content>
<P>ASHTABULA — </P>
<DIV> The hot ticket here in the sharpest corner of Ohio has got to be for
a seat in the Straw Hat Theatre on the grounds of the Ashtabula Arts Center
where “A Chorus Line” is the attraction for this weekend and next. </DIV>
<DIV>Although the show is a big one for community theaters to undertake,
director Stephen Rhodes, music director Debra Fleming and especially
choreographer Tessa Deutsch have made this production one that should not be
missed. Working with actors who may or may not have had some formal dance
training, Deutsch brings out the best in each. </DIV>
<DIV>Right off the bat, Robert Pierce as Zach, the director/choreographer who is
looking for a dancing chorus of four boys and four girls, sets the professional
tone for the rest of the evening — and he sets the bar high. Without a
doubt, he is in charge of what’s happening on the stage. </DIV>
<DIV>As each auditioner relates his or her personal story from youth to the time
of the audition, Zach is able to delve into the personality of each one trying
out for a spot in the chorus. It’s important to know how attitudes will mesh
when folks are on stage together. A mixture of experienced and novice Straw Hat
performers apparently meshed in the best of ways, as the high kickers and story
tellers entertained those in attendance in the tent. </DIV>
<DIV>Kimberly Godfrey, Cathy Fasano-Chmielewski, Julia Hines, Jordan Malin,
Paige Beach and Meghann Stell and Rebecca Moseley are the ‘girls’ that most
supporters of Straw Hat Theatre will recognize as having seen in productions for
several seasons and ones who help make this show a success in every aspect.
</DIV>
<DIV>Devin Powell, Jayson Gage, Kyle Huff, Nick Cusano and Robert Taylor show up
as the experienced ‘boys.’ The skilled presence of those seasoned actors is
balanced by the talent demonstrated by relative newcomers, especially Josh Maker
as Paul and David Zorkocy as Bobby.</DIV>
<DIV>Rounding out the cast of ‘hoofers’ are Christy Seymour, Libby Riddell,
Julia Kubec, Tywan “Tank” Jackson and Tim Kolman, each making a significant
contribution to the entertainment value of this musical.</DIV>
<DIV>The music for “A Chorus Line” was composed by Marvin Hamlisch, who passed
away on Monday at the age of 68. He won an Oscar for the music for “The
Way We Were,” the song itself, and the music for “The Sting”. </DIV>
<DIV>“A Chorus Line” continues each night this weekend and Thursday, Friday and
Saturday next weekend. The curtain goes up each night at 8. Tickets
may be ordered by phoning the Ashtabula Arts Center at 964-3396.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<P></P></DIV></FONT>
<DIV><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Pamela Hammond<BR>Public Relations/Marketing
Coordinator<BR>Ashtabula Arts Center<BR>2928 West 13th Street<BR>Ashtabula OH
44004<BR>(440) 964-3396<BR><A
href="mailto:aac@ashartscenter.org">aac@ashartscenter.org</A><BR><A
href="http://www.ashartscenter.org">www.ashartscenter.org</A><BR><A
href="http://www.artscenternews.com">www.artscenternews.com</A></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>