Overview
In the basement quick change room of a Broadway theater in the mid-1980s, the chorus girls are at war with their dressers. Will the new dresser, with her own sad past and uncertain future, be able to navigate this minefield?
ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS is a funny, nostalgic behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal period in the history of Broadway where women’s issues and the AIDS crisis play out through the everyday lives of Equity performers and union dressers.
Casting & Production
Casting
Cast of Characters
(9W, 2M, 1 Any)
THE DRESSERS
AUDREY — good at her job, but bossy, 40s/50s/60s
BRENDA — longtime dresser, no nonsense, bad knees, older than
Audrey
KJ — female, a new dresser, late 30s
THE FEMALE CHORUS
LINDA — lively and lustful
MONICA — takes no prisoners, has eating disorders
JESSICA — a beautiful dancer with a lot of experience
NICKI — the newest, youngest dancer
JOYCE — the oldest dancer, has seen it all
STACIE — the swing who can do anything
VANDER — called “Van,” the beloved gay stage manager, male, 30s/40s
MALLORY — a star of the show, any gender, 30s/40s/50s
PETER — a featured dancer new to the show, KJ’s former husband,
30s/40s
OLIVIA THE DOG — a puppy or small dog, extremely cute
Setting
Time: 1984-1985, a time before cellphones and laptops, when people waiting around had nothing to do except read books, do puzzles, play cards or talk to each other.
Place:The chorus quick-change room in the basement of a Broadway theatre.
Reviews
“A very funny play. It gives life to a world hardly seen by anyone outside of the business…Hutton creates a perfect balance of fate, drama, heartache, regret, and a kind of triumphant storm.”
—Noho Arts
“Hutton masters the art of the ensemble piece, crafting dynamic personalities within the chorus and creating juicy through-lines for each of her characters throughout their journeys…a 90 minute peek into life behind the scenes and the community it takes to bring a show to life, told with love.”
—Front Row Center
“As deliciously entertaining an evening of theater as anyone could wish for…An all-around winner of a play.”
—StageScene LA
