Southeast Missouri State University’s Conservatory of Theatre and Dance will present the popular Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” today, Sept. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 2.

The Broadway classic unveils the lives of 17 driven dancers, all of whom are competing against one another to be cast in a chorus line for an unnamed Broadway show.

Throughout the production, each of the performers shares his or her own personal story of love, life, revelation and why they chose dance as a profession.

Michael McIntosh, director of “A Chorus Line” and assistant professor of musical theater, acting and directing, said audience members will be able to relate to the story because of everyone having the experience and anxiety of going on their first date or a job interview.

“We’ve all really wanted something really bad that maybe we haven’t gotten,” McIntosh said.

One of the characters the production centers around is Bobby, who is played by Jordan Davis. Davis said his character’s role is similar to his own story.

“Bobby is very sassy, yet lovable,” Davis said. “I feel I relate to this quality because I have moments where I can be very up front, but also can be the best friend type of guy.”

Davis said another way he and his character relate to each other is that both share the major aspiration of becoming a musical theater star.

While the two may have a number of similarities, Davis said he feels like they share differences as well.

“I've never considered myself to be the flamboyant, attention-grabbing kind of guy,” Davis said.

Although “A Chorus Line” showcases extensive dance numbers, there are elements of singing involved in the production.

Joshua Harvey, music director for “A Chorus Line,” said essentially the production captures the essence of the 1970s music era.

“There are parts that feel like disco, there are parts of it that feel like early ’70s, other music styles of the ’70s,” Harvey said.

Harvey also said students should be mindful of historical moments, since history sometimes repeats itself.

“The whole show is the idea that Broadway at the time was also kind of disappearing because of societal degradation and New York City essentially at that time,” Harvey said.

McIntosh said the lessons students can take away from the production are to be themselves because they are special and to not take their talents for granted.

McIntosh shared his major appreciation for the musical by saying the show is both a wonderful and compelling story that displays a lot of heart.

“I think it’s the best show ever written,” McIntosh said. “I think it’s a wonderful, wonderful, exciting, funny, poignant piece of work.”

Students in the Conservatory of Theatre and Dance practiced five weeks in advance for the show, starting the week before school. The students have been practicing for six days a week since then.

“The show is going to be fantastic cause everybody has a big part, everybody gets their moment to shine,” McIntosh said.

“A Chorus Line” is one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.

“It’s a fantastic first class production,” McIntosh said.

“A Chorus Line” will begin at 7:30 p.m. today, Sept. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 1, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2, in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus. To purchase tickets for “A Chorus Line” visit the River Campus Box Office (open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday), call (573) 651-2265 or visit RiverCampusEvents.com. Tickets for the public cost $22.50 and $19.50. Student tickets cost $3 with a valid Southeast ID.

The musical contains a number of adult themes and explicit language that may be unsuitable for young children.