The buzz of the audience slowly becomes a murmur until silence fills the theater. The curtains raise inch by inch as anticipation from both audience and performers builds. Then, as the lights shine brightly on 16 dancers, audience members are transported back to 1975.

The UA Theatre & Dance production’s of “A Chorus Line” will transport audiences this week at the Marian Gallaway Theatre. This musical theatre piece is both a portrayal and celebration of the world of professional dancers and their struggles to make it big in 1975. The production is meant to illustrate real life in real time, so that the audience can truly experience the world of the performers.

“The show is a look at a performer’s life in the audition world and the things that they have to go to in order to obtain a part in the show,” said Stacy Alley, the director and choreographer of the production. “The audience gets to be a voyeur into the lives of these people in the business.”

“A Chorus Line” was originally conceived, directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett and has since been the subject of several documentaries and books. Alley wanted to pay homage to Bennett’s work while still giving herself creative freedom.

“I wanted to keep it true to the time while adding my own choreography to highlight the strength of the dancers,” Alley said.

While the show follows these 16 dancers through the audition world, the story is about growing up and experiencing vulnerability. Even if you’ve never set foot on a stage, many will relate to the dancers who put themselves on the line to achieve their dreams. As it is with human beings, they just want to be accepted into society and be part of a group.

Bailey Blaise Mariea, a senior majoring in musical theatre, plays the role of one of the oldest and most experienced dancers on the block, Sheila Bryant. She worked with Alley on other productions before.

“She is one of the best motivators because of how specific she is and the high standards she holds the cast to,” Mariea said. “She knows what she wants and makes sure the audience sees real people on stage.”

Mariea is excited about the production because “A Chorus Line” is a way to tell a story about what goes on behind the scenes of theatre and to share a piece of that history with the audience. She also appreciates how complex and dynamic the characters are in the show.

“I’m on stage with all my classmates and best friends and to be vessels entrusted with these stories is really amazing,” Mariea said. “I’ve never felt this way about a show, and I don’t want to leave it.”

UA Theatre & Dance will present “A Chorus Line” at the Marian Gallaway Theatre in Rowand-Johnson Hall April 18-22. The shows will go from 7:30-10:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and UA faculty and staff and $14 for students and children.