Sometimes, life is defined by the roles we accept. At other times, it all comes down to the ones we turn down or choose not to pursue in the first place. Whether we’re embraced or even sought out — or sized up at a glance and dismissed — each of us has a multifaceted story to share. And if we’re lucky, there are people along the way to help us tell our stories together.

Heritage Theatre Festival is opening its new season with the story of dancers auditioning for eight sought-after spots in a new Broadway production; there’s a preview Thursday evening, and opening night arrives on Friday. “A Chorus Line” has stayed close to audience members’ hearts since 1975 by reminding people that life is much more than a random collection of choices and consequences.

Nikka Graff Lanzarone is playing the lead role of Cassie, a veteran dancer who’s overqualified for the chorus role she seeks but needs the work — and the validation of her chops and worth on a grueling career path. Lanzarone, who’s performing in her first Heritage production, is a Broadway veteran herself; she played Velma Kelly in “Chicago” on Broadway and was in the original Broadway cast of “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.”

“A Chorus Line,” however, holds a special place in her heart.

“This show means the world to me,” Lanzarone said. “This is my favorite musical.”

Each character in “A Chorus Line” appeals to Lanzarone, as each reflects a different aspect of a performer’s sense of call. But after a decade in show business, she is discovering new insights and relishing the way in which the characters resonate differently as life experiences unfold.

“I’m in a much different place in my life now,” she said. Being surrounded by college-aged actors has helped her “to remember being their age and having the show mean something completely different to me.”

Experience brings enough perspective to accept the roles that got away. Sometimes, Lanzarone said, one isn’t seeking a role that’ll change audience members’ lives, but a job that’ll bring health insurance. And sometimes, no matter how talented and determined one is, one simply isn’t the right person for the job in question.

One insight into the audition process she has learned over the years is “you’re selling yourself as a potential part of a whole,” Lanzarone said. “Sometimes it’s hard to remember it’s not you, it’s you.”

Look for Jim Moscater as Zach, Jesus Sepulveda as Larry, Emma Benson as Bebe, Camden Loeser as Mike, Hannah Kevitt as Connie, Jeffrey Marc Adkins as Greg, Helena Fay Thompson as Sheila, Kade Wright as Bobby, Ainsley Steiger as Maggie, McLain Powell as Judy, Mason Reeves as Richie, Josh Dunn as Al, Cassidy Halpin as Kristine, Gianina Mugavero as Val, Michael Hardenberg as Mark, Julian Sanchez as Paul, Nina Mercado as Diana, Alisa Ledyard as Vickie, Camden Luck as Tricia, Christine Thalwitz as Lois and Daniel Kingsley as Roy.

The characters are lovingly drawn composites. If you’ve ever tried out for a show, or a sports team, you’ll recognize these people; their yearnings and hopes will feel familiar, as will their moments of brutal honesty about their abilities. Keep an ear out when dancer Val sings “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three,” which captures the sense of rejection when talent isn’t enough.

Acceptance and rejection perform their own dance of sorts in “A Chorus Line,” but there’s a special safety in numbers. Lanzarone said part of the musical’s power lies in its sense of ensemble.

“It’s so much less about playing one particular character and more about the ensemble,” she said. “There’s a bit of every single human in every one of these characters.”

And it’s always important not to get too absorbed in the theater world to join the ensemble of life. Lanzarone said actors who have friends and loved ones outside of show business come away as better storytellers.

“It gets you out of your bubble and reminds you that there’s a whole other world out there,” Lanzarone said. “My husband isn’t an actor, but he gets it.

“It’s incumbent on people who want to be actors to know where people come from and why, so you can be a wiser and stronger portrayer. You want to honor the people whose stories are entrusted to you to bring to audiences without losing your own humanity in the process.”

Matthew Steffens is in the director’s chair. The UVa alumnus is making his first professional visit to his alma mater; since graduating, he has worked as a Broadway actor, singer, dancer, director and choreographer.

Greg Harris serves musical director, bringing Marvin Hamlisch’s songs to life — “What I Did for Love,” “I Hope I Get It,” “One.” The show also features lyrics by Edward Kleban and book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante.

The creative team brings in local and national talent. Lighting designer Lee Kennedy is a UVa professor, as is sound designer Michael Rasbury. Costume designer Alexae Visel brings experience from Yale Repertory Theatre and Theatre for a New Audience. Before arriving in Charlottesville to serve as scenic designer, Chris Thompson served as assistant scenic designer for “My Fair Lady” on Broadway.

There’s still time to get season tickets for Heritage’s summer season, which also includes “Harvey,” “The Cocoanuts” and “The Mountaintop.” Get details about the season online at heritagetheatrefestival.org. For tickets, go to artsboxoffice.virginia.edu.

Jane Dunlap Sathe
Original Publication: The Daily Progress