Ashley Klinger

ACL 50 ✨🎩 A week of dreams coming true My ACL story: In the pre-TikTok era, I had a video go very viral— Nikole Vallins at Binder Casting asked me to audition for A Chorus Line. I was obsessed with ACL and theater but had only danced in a ballet company, so I was not fully prepared. At my audition, I started the combo in a B+ instead of 6th position, couldn’t pronounce my character’s name (it’s Urik, not Urich), and didn’t know the iconic opening combo. But after many “round robins,” I “ate nails”—and booked the national tour while still in college. Baayork and Bob Avian set that tour—and set the standard. I made mistakes, lifelong friends, chewed my husband’s gum every night from his mouth, and traveled the world performing—across the U.S., Canada, Tokyo, NYC galas, and even the Top of the Rock. Yesterday, I wore the same shirt as day one of rehearsal 15 years prior, gifted by the great aunt Lori, who dressed the ballerina to fit into Broadway. As Queen B says, “this is now our show.” I’ve grown from company member to assistant DC with Brian, then DC with Dena and Gayle, to setting the show in Lima, Peru—and hopefully beyond. I’m not a crier. But you better believe I cry every time I hear “What I Did For Love,” thinking about the sacrifices made to get here. Ran out of tags🥹💕

Joy of dance class only dancers can understand. Thank you @tannerlane17 for the choreo @holly_nicole_roberts 🎥 @stepsonbroadway

This is a world class WEST SIDE STORY!! Epic cast, Epic crew, Epic creatives, and an even more epic theatre @the_gateway !! I’m honored to have Directed and Choreographed this show!! New York needs to come see this asap! west side story now till may 31st!! Thegateway.org #Westsidestory #broadway #thegatewayayhouse 📸🎥 @jakeprimmerman @primmecreative are geniuses to work with!! Amazing editing and pure vision!!

Feeling extra lucky to be chosen out of 3000 coaches to represent the collab that sold out in 20 minutes. Photography: @alquan @luckyhoneystyle @solidcore

Celebrating 50 years of @balletexcelohio started by grandma Nan. 🩰 performing Music and the Mirror at the iconic Civic Theater was a gift. It was far from perfect (ear rig came out, lights, personal notes) but trying to be more grateful for what I do have and what comes from old fashioned hard work. Performing with icons @dpulbricht @shelbymann_ @dododutruethethird was the icing on the cake I didn’t deserve to be on the same bill. My village of coaches and directors✨ @david.grin @aubreyklingerfearns @innovativevoice @thejennap @thetimrussell Ever thankful for the GOAT herself who started my journey with A Chorus Line back in 2010 as a scared ballet dancer on my first national tour as Kristine @baayork ⭐️ Here’s to another 50 🎩 #whatididforlove #acl #matm #broadway #alumni

Swingnation: Scariest cover story of my career going on as the Queen 👑 in Head Over Heels. When my bestie @vinceortega knocked on my door at 7AM to say I’m on for the Queen at 2PM. No understudy rehearsal and never sat in on a staging rehearsal (since we were in the other room learning the most challenging choreo ever). In the same show, I did the shadow acro in my ensemble track while also singing Heaven is a Place. I’ve always been too intimidated to post this but @nicolebenoitonline inspired me. Back in 2021 I’m in the original Broadway costumes on stage with two incredible Broadway stars. It wasn’t perfect but if only people understood what us “chorus girls” can do. Wouldn’t have happened without Vince and this group💄#swing #understudy #broadway #HeadOverHeels

A month of Emmy trophying, Wicked screening, LTOTS family, Klinger family, modeling, muppeting, babies walking and more. Thankful 🍁 Always thankful for 👗 @thepetitpalate styling me inside and out

Learning a combo on the spot and filming it is no small feat but the norm today and I’m embracing and loving it (imperfections and all). First class with @thejasonwilliamsexperience and I am hooked. Thank you 💙 Choreographer: @thejasonwilliamsexperience Videographer: @samlobelvideography Song: #Dreamgirls - @beyonce @iamjhud @anikaaroundtheworld Studio: @stepsonbroadway @dreamgirlsbroadway ✨

Sister Act 🪩 you were fabulous. That’s a “rap”(slide 2) Covering the epic Mother Superior, playing Sister Mary Celeste, Tina, and DC. Thanks to the leadership of Evan, Vince, and Jonathan the cast had a heavenly run 10/10 recommend @theargyletheatre . Director: @theevanpappas Choreography: THE @vinceortega MD: @jwb33 PSM: @dpvaughn93 ASM: @gabrielle.guagenti Scenic: @sabrinnal Costumes: @mandyscanze Hair: @holly_dolly_do_26 Lighting: @johnsalutz Projection: @abbey.kuhns Sound: @kimomakessounds Prod Manager: @callie.hester Tech Dir: @spacerangerdownes Opening Night fit: @crescala_collective Stylist: @thepetitpalate Special shoutouts: @andrewwarren_drums @eitanprousermusic @david_scott_curtis @justcallmeraj @_debrownie_ @rodosantamarina @aidanmichaelkelly @hudsonartistsagency #sisteract #understudy #musical #raiseyourvoice

The Ziegfeld Follies is where the showgirl got her start. Today I got to visit the @museumofbroadway after being the last showgirl to wear the preserved costumes from the early 1900s. We got to walk the glass runway in them for the last time (now the Disney offices) 10 years ago and I was featured in the Sunday @nytimes . The life of a showgirl is pretty damn special and I’m glad @taylorswift is making us relevant again 📸 @nancyborowick thankful for @thesheasullivan and @laurie.sanderson8 @ziegfeldclub

Only in NY are you stopped on the street for an impromptu photoshoot. Stylist @thepetitpalate keeps me confident inside and out and even couriered a dress day of for the after party📷@kamerashoots.nyc Sprinkling more from ACL 50 stage/ backstage photos📷 @jennyandersonphoto Also: 1 night in the Hamptons 👙 Dad turned 70 🎂1 day surprise in St Louis 🎭And a peek into what’s next ✝️ @hunter.regian @ketnerrocks made it happen! @achorusline50 @alifeinthearts @baayork 🎩

Proud to be the first Intimacy Director at Gateway Playhouse and in the regional Premiere of Pretty Woman 💋 Opening night styled by the incomparable @thepetitpalate Came home to a Senior Master Coach celebration @solidcore 💙 Showroom: @crescala_collective Dress: @michaeldepaulo Jewelry: archival from Mary #keepfashionkind Bag: vintage from the gilded age Roses: the iconic @vinceortega