I NEED HELP- sort of a dumb question but...

[evalovesbrodwaaaaay]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 9:09pm

I'm new to theater but just got a part in the Addams family. I was casted as part of the "chorus" but there are also ancestors as supporting roles as well. Can someone explain the difference between an ancestor and a chorus member and what the chorus actually does?? 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 9:56pm

Just take a look at the original Broadway production and see for yourself:

https://youtu.be/QgnphBmQmek

[evalovesbrodwaaaaay]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 10:06pm

This doesn't really help me because I still can't distinguish between ancestors and the chorus

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 10:15pm

Have you gotten a copy of...the script yet?

[musicals1989]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 10:15pm

"chorus" is a general term that also means ensemble. 

"ancestors" are the "chorus" for this show. 

all chorus members are ancestors. all ancestors are chorus members. 

For Addams Family, there is no difference. 

[evalovesbrodwaaaaay]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 10:18pm

I haven't gotten the script yet. I thought so too about how all ancestors are chorus members, but there was a distinctive difference between the two on the cast list. Any other explanations?

[LesWickedly]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 10:22pm

I'm assuming this is a children's theater production or a young theater group? If so, I'm guessing that there's a big cast. Perhaps the ancestors that are specified are featured ones, maybe with solos. Might just have to wait til your rehearsal.

[evalovesbrodwaaaaay]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 10:28pm

It's a community theater group with ages ranging from like 17 to 25 and there's only about 20 of us but this makes sense. Thank you! 

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 10:29pm

I would imagine that the show has such a big cast that the director needed to split the chorus up somehow.  Perhaps the ancestors will be the "extras" in the book scenes and the chorus will only come on for the big production numbers.  When I direct musicals, I often split my dancers into good, ok, and terrible groups.  The good dancers are downstage center for the big production numbers. The ok ones stand on the sides and do basic moves.  The terrible ones stand in the back and basically clap their hands.  But everyone is still involved at their ability level.  I give them names like "lead dancers" "townspeople" etc. Your director most likely just needs to organize you somehow.  

[evalovesbrodwaaaaay]

Posted: 2/8/17 at 10:45pm

Also makes sense (I'm not a great dancer) so thanks!!!