ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS

by Arlene Hutton

In the basement quick-change room of a Broadway theatre 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. With a cast of twelve and a dog, this is ensemble work in the spirit of...

In the basement quick-change room of a Broadway theatre 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. With a cast of twelve and a dog, this is ensemble work in the spirit of Balm in Gilead and Hot L Baltimore.

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ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS

Recommended by

  • Robert Alexander Wray: ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS

    This fast-paced and alternately funny/heartbreaking play sparkles and shines and yes, dances its way into the heart. With an almost Chekhovian verve of quick entrances and exits, it looks in depth at a backstage world of another era with crystal clarity and compassion. Chekhov's characters often wonder how they'll get through the day; the wonderful characters Hutton creates wonder how they'll get through the next show (as well as their lives.) A sublime juggling act of theatrical proportions.

    This fast-paced and alternately funny/heartbreaking play sparkles and shines and yes, dances its way into the heart. With an almost Chekhovian verve of quick entrances and exits, it looks in depth at a backstage world of another era with crystal clarity and compassion. Chekhov's characters often wonder how they'll get through the day; the wonderful characters Hutton creates wonder how they'll get through the next show (as well as their lives.) A sublime juggling act of theatrical proportions.

  • Jeffrey James Keyes: ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS

    I’m so lucky to have enjoyed the opportunity to check out this fun play Off Broadway last year. It was my first time seeing a play by Hutton & I found it to be smart, fun, and completely engrossing. Hutton reveals a backstage world with rich, well-rounded characters. I love a big cast, & Hutton’s characters are so fun to sit with & take in. I wish I would had seen it ten more times, but it was sold out because it’s a great play written by a stellar playwright. Thank you for your voice & work!

    I’m so lucky to have enjoyed the opportunity to check out this fun play Off Broadway last year. It was my first time seeing a play by Hutton & I found it to be smart, fun, and completely engrossing. Hutton reveals a backstage world with rich, well-rounded characters. I love a big cast, & Hutton’s characters are so fun to sit with & take in. I wish I would had seen it ten more times, but it was sold out because it’s a great play written by a stellar playwright. Thank you for your voice & work!

  • Cheryl Bear: ACCORDING TO THE CHORUS

    A delightful little piece that is so heartfelt and true. The backstage comradery in shared frustrations and dreams sings beautifully and will fill the hearts and souls of players and audience alike!

    A delightful little piece that is so heartfelt and true. The backstage comradery in shared frustrations and dreams sings beautifully and will fill the hearts and souls of players and audience alike!

View all 4 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Ensemble Studio Theatre Playwrights' Unit, Year 2022
  • Type Workshop, Organization New Circle Theatre Company, Year 2019
  • Type Residency, Organization New Light Theatre Project at Access Theatre, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization New Circle Theatre Company, Year 2017
  • Type Reading, Organization Project Y, Year 2016
  • Type Workshop, Organization The Barrow Group, Year 2012

Production History

Awards