By Katie O'Connor
March 30, 2026
Mollie Maguire ('25) and William Guinta ('26).
Left to Right: Sofia Dionisi ('28), Ava Tassinari ('26), and Katie O'Connor ('26).
The cast of Xaverian Brothers' High School's production of A Chorus Line.
Xaverian Brothers High School staged a production of A Chorus Line from March 20-22, featuring DHS students Katie O’Connor (class of ‘26) and Mollie Maguire (class of ‘25) in the ensemble cast.
The musical, which first opened in 1975, follows 17 dancers as they audition for a new Broadway show and reflect on the events in their lives that led them to that moment. It is best described as a musical comedy that explores love, loss, and the awkwardness of growing up.
O'Connor and Maguire auditioned for the show in December and have been rehearsing at Xaverian almost every day since.
The production was directed and choreographed by Xaverian’s Julianne O’Connor and musically directed by Murray Kidd. Maguire played Kristine Erlich, a nervous auditioner, freshly married to another dancer, Al Deluca. She amazed students with her comedic timing in her hilarious rendition of the song "Sing!"
O’Connor played the sassy Sheila Bryant, a dancer with a rough childhood, as presented in the song "At the Ballet." The show was incredibly dance-heavy, including a sixteen-minute montage of straight singing and dancing.
The musical included iconic showstoppers such as "God," "I Hope I Get It," and "What I Did For Love," which received standing ovations on multiple nights.
A Chorus Line was a true culmination of students from different towns coming together to achieve a common goal and pursue their passions, as the show featured not only Xaverian and DHS students but also girls from Ursuline, Bishop Feehan, Walpole High, and more.
Performers and tech alike worked extremely hard not only to put on the show but also to build the set, run lights, and organize quick changes. This was O’Connor’s first and last Xaverian show, but Maguire plans on coming back for their spring musical next year as well.
Through late nights, long dance rehearsals, and exhaustion, students continue to impress as each individual puts their best foot forward. Both DHS students would like to thank the directing team, cast, and crew for being extremely supportive and welcoming throughout this process and for making this an incredible experience, both on and off stage.
Katie O'Connor, class of 2026, is a staff writer for the Dedham Mirror. She likes to participate in musical theater and take dance classes in her free time. She also runs for the DHS track and cross country teams.