A CHORUS LINE
Music by Marvin Hamlisch. Lyrics by Edward Kleban. Book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante.
Goodspeed Opera House, East Haddam CT
Opened: September 5th, 2025
Director: Rob Ruggiero
Choreographer: Parker Esse
Additional Choreography: Baayork Lee
Music Direction: Adam Souza
Scenic Design: Ann Beyersdorfer
Costume Design: Joseph Shrope
Original Finale Costume Design: Theoni V. Aldredge
Lighting Design: John Lasiter
Sound Design: Jay Hilton
Production Stage Manager: Chris Zaccardi
SIZZLE REEL
PRODUCTION PHOTOS
Photos by Diane Sobolewski
COSTUME RENDERINGS
reviews
“This “A Chorus Line” is staged firmly in the 1970s and does not try to shift the show to the present day or set it in some timeless generic backstage universe. Joseph Shrope’s costume design is brilliant in this respect. The costumes aren’t ostentatious about being from the ‘70s, though they are true to the era. They look comfortable and well-worn and they fit the personalities of the performers who dance in them.
Shrope is also responsible for jazzing up the finale for “A Chorus Line,” which was snazzy and spectacular in its time but has become trite and predictable over the years. At the Goodspeed, Shrope’s loose and groovy yet still sparkly outfits, plus Ruggiero’s decision to turn the closing number into a lengthy, character-driven curtain call, adds depth and humanity to the final minutes of the show.”
“Costume design by Joseph Shrope ticks all the boxes. Fresh designs offer beautiful nods to the original Broadway costumes.”
“Joseph Shrope’s wardrobe choices, especially for the women, couldn’t be more suitable. The dancers wear leotards and tights indicative of the era.”
“Joseph Shrope’s ideal costume design is reminiscent of the original, with the gold costumes originally designed by Theoni Aldredge provided for the show stopping finale.”
“Costumes by designer Joseph Shrope are well-suited to the time and setting of the show, with a nice pallet of colors across the board.”
“Costume design by Joseph Shrope was wonderful especially the sparkling, golden finale. The 1970’s wardrobe of the dancers is also spot on as I am 58-years-old and recognized some of the fine fashions from back in the day.”
“Costuming (Joseph Shrope) was another strength of the production: vintage enough to evoke the 1975 original, but never veering into parody or feeling dated. ”