Mario Lopez Will Be A Chorus Line's Next Zach

By Kenneth Jones
March 4, 2008

Producer John Breglio announced March 4 that Mario Lopez, known for TV's "Saved by the Bell," "Extra TV" and "Dancing with the Stars," will make his Broadway debut by joining the cast of A Chorus Line beginning April 15.

Lopez will play the show's mostly-unseen god-like director (heard on mic for most of the show) through Sept. 7 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Zach is "the demanding director who is casting the chorus roles for a new Broadway musical," according to producers.

(Diehard Lopez fans take note: Lopez will be on hiatus from A Chorus Line May 11-June 3.)

"Mario is an enormously talented actor and dancer and we are thrilled to have him make his Broadway debut in A Chorus Line," stated producer Breglio. "His talents and charm will transfer beautifully to the Broadway stage."

"Every actor dreams about appearing on a Broadway stage," Lopez stated. "I have as well, and have been searching for the right time and opportunity. A Chorus Line is a legendary musical and I am so honored to have been chosen to join the amazing cast and be a part of the Broadway family."

Lopez, at the age of 16, became internationally known as high school jock A. C. Slater on the hit NBC comedy series "Saved by the Bell." He currently can be seen as the host of "Extra TV" and MTV's "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew," and recently starred in the highest rated program ABC Family history "Holiday in Handcuffs." He also starred in the made for TV movie "Husband for Hire," which was the most watched program ever on the Oxygen Network.

Mario appeared on ABC's hit reality series "Dancing with the Stars." He produced and starred in the feature film "Outta Time."

Other film credits include "King Rikki," "Colors," "Depraved" and "Eastside." Lopez's other television work includes roles on "Pacific Blue," "Nip/Tuck," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "George Lopez," "Mind of Mencia," "Name Your Adventure," "Popular," "The Golden Girls," "Kids Incorporated," and the TV film "Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story."

Now in its second year on Broadway, the new production of A Chorus Line opened Oct. 5, 2006. It recouped its entire $8 million investment in 157 performances (19 weeks).

A Chorus Line is directed by its original Tony Award winning co-choreographer Bob Avian, conceived and originally choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, with the original choreography re-staged by Baayork Lee. A Chorus Line is produced by John Breglio for Vienna Waits Productions.