Maine State Music Theatre will present the Tony Award-winning musical hit “A Chorus Line,” a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of 19 hopeful dancers auditioning for a spot on Broadway. The production runs June 6-23.

BRUNSWICK — Maine State Music Theatre will open its 54th season with the Tony Award-winning musical hit “A Chorus Line,” running June 6-23.

An inspirational story of the road to stardom, the musical takes audiences behind the scenes and into the lives of 19 hopeful dancers auditioning for a spot in a chorus line. The auditions take on a personal component when the director, Zach, asks them to introduce themselves and share their histories.

All of the characters have overcome obstacles and gone through rough patches in their lives. Although their stories are different, they have all followed their dreams to stand together for a chance at Broadway.

Inspiration for the musical came from recorded workshop sessions with real Broadway dancers in the mid 1970s. Realizing the potential of the honesty that was uncovered, Michael Bennett conceived the idea. He directed and choreographed what became known as “A Chorus Line,” with help from music by Marvin Hamlisch, a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, lyrics by Edward Kleban and co-choreography by Bob Avian.

Since its 1975 Broadway debut, the musical has traveled worldwide, returning to  Broadway for a revival in 2006 and U.S. tours in 2008 and 2010. It has won nine Tony Awards and five Drama Desk awards, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Original Broadway cast members Donna Drake and Michael Gorman pilot the MSMT production. Drake, who recently directed MSMT’s award-winning production of “The Wiz,” uses her experiences and memories of Bennett’s vision in her direction. Gorman’s responsibility is to teach the legendary choreography to the young dancers.

Tickets, $36 to $59, are available at www.msmt.org, by calling 725-8769 or visiting the box office in Pickard Theater on the Bowdoin College campus. Pay-what-you-can pricing is offered for matinee and evening performances on Friday, June 8. For more information, visit www.msmt.org.

Scheduled plays

“A Chorus Line,” June 6-23

“Legally Blonde,” June 27-July 14

“Sunset Boulevard,” July 18-Aug. 4

“42nd Street,” Aug. 8-25

Other shows

“Skippyjon Jones,” children’s musical, June 11

The Dartmouth Aires, a cappella group, June 18

Schooner Fare, folk duo, July 9

“Always … Patsy Cline in Concert,” Aug. 13

“Sleeping Beauty,” Aug. 20