Maine native Robyn Hurder has a prolific Broadway resume for a 27-year-old. She’s clinched roles in Grease, Chicago, The Wedding Singer, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Spamalot and more.
But it’s her latest role as Cassie in A Chorus Line that has her convinced it’s the most challenging part she’ll ever experience. Broadway Across America – Columbus presents A Chorus Line from June 9-14 at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
Tickets are currently available at the Broadway Across America-Columbus Box Office or Ohio Theatre box office, all Ticketmaster outlets or at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.
The production, which focuses on the demands of auditioning for a Broadway musical, has won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, nine Tony Awards - including Best Musical, Score and Book - and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. It ran for nearly 15 years, closing on April 28, 1990 after 6,137 performances. With this revised version, A Chorus Line remains the longest-running American musical in Broadway history.
Hurder took some time out of her touring schedule to talk to CityScene about the timeless production, sharing the stage with her husband and the “Cassie Camp” she endured.
CityScene: How did you get your start in this business?
Robyn Hurder: I was one of the fortunate ones who knew what I wanted to do at age 6. I started dance classes and when I was about 7 or 8, my parents took me to see the touring production of Cats and I was mesmerized. I was literally blown away. That’s when I decided it was what I wanted to do. From that moment, I just kept dancing and working on whatever it took. I got into musical theater, took some voice lessons and practiced all the time.
CS: Because you had been dancing for so long, did everything come naturally?
RH: No. I was really, really shy. I remember auditioning for a community production of Oliver and making my entire family turn around while I sang for them. I didn’t want them to look at me. But the more I did productions, and the more experience I got, the more I overcame my shyness. My parents were supportive, but pushed me and gave me the kick in the butt I needed to get over my shyness because they knew how badly I wanted to do this.
CS: What is your least favorite part of the business?
RH: Auditioning is hands down my least favorite thing to do in the world. It is such a competitive, small business. You’re selling yourself and you can do it, put yourself on the line, from five to 10 times a week.
CS: The story of A Chorus Line explores this cutthroat business. Is that why you wanted to do it?
RH: When you audition, you just want the job so bad, and that is literally what A Chorus Line is all about. It is very relatable and that was very appealing.
CS: What is your character, Cassie, like?
RH: Well I didn’t originally want this part. There is another role that is bubbly and a spitfire, and that was more my type. Cassie is in this phase where she just got back from trying to make it as an actress in L.A. and she has it in her head that she’s going to be a star, but she failed – she can’t act. She realizes it and then she realizes she’s really a dancer and this is what she wants. Dancing is her life and it’s sort of her redemption.
CS: Cassie has a long solo in the production, how did you prepare for that?
RH: This is the most challenging show I’ve ever done and will ever do in my entire life and it's because of that part. Basically, Cassie has a part about an hour and 15 minutes into the show where everyone but her takes a break. I stay on stage, this overwhelming fear comes over my body usually every night, and I do this themed song and dance straight for about 8 minutes. It is mentally, emotionally and physically exhausting to bare yourself on stage every night. But at the same time, it’s so amazing and honoring and humbling. To know that only a handful of women have been able to play this role always gives me a surge of energy.
CS: You said you originally didn’t want the part. Why did you change your mind?
RH: I said no a couple of times. I just didn’t think it fit my personality at all. But when this show was being revised, my agent called and asked me to do this Cassie Camp they had. It’s seriously like a boot camp because the part is so exhausting. I had a two-week rehearsal process before I even auditioned for the part. Anyway, I agreed to do the camp and I was putting so much work into this part, and I finally started to really want it because of all of that work. I took ownership in it, became enveloped and obsessed, almost. I really started to understand the role and once I did, I’ve never worked so hard to get anything.
CS: How has the role affected your career?
RH: Now I’m just so grateful that I finally get what her character is about. I look at the part I wanted before and I just can’t see myself doing it because I’m so wrapped up in Cassie. I think, professionally, this role has matured me so much vocally and my dancing is more refined. I think it’s helped me grow as an actress, too. I am very honored to be doing this role and having this experience.
CS: Your husband, Clyde Alves, plays the role of Mike. How did you both get on the same bill, and is it common?
RH: It’s definitely uncommon to get a gig with your significant other, but to also be on the road! It’s the best possible scenario ever! It started when we were at the opening night party for Grease and the casting director for Grease is the same for A Chorus Line. He just looked at us and said ‘I have an idea …' He’s perfect for the role of Mike. It’s a show that is right for us both, I think.
CS: What can audiences expect from A Chorus Line?
RH: It’s a timeless piece. Yes, some of the music and costumes are dated, but it’s the exact same procedure for these dancers today. Nothing has changed. And the audience really gets a sense of what we go through, the reality of the business. We don’t just go through a dance audition, we put our lives on the line. We open up to directors about our childhoods, our passions and interests. Everything is laid out, and everyone in the audience will be able to relate to one thing or another. There are so many stories in two hours and you’ll be able to relate to at least one of them. That is what makes audiences keep coming back - it's relatable. And it has a little bit of everything – drama, comedy, it’s simple and the music is captivating.
CS: What will you do after A Chorus Line?
RH: We’ll return to New York City and start from scratch. We’ll both just start auditioning again. I would always love to go back to the production of Chicago. I love that show. My other goal is to originate a role in a new Broadway show. And, hopefully I’ll get nominated for a Tony someday!
