"A Chorus Line," presented by Broadway Across America, is on stage now at Clowes Memorial Hall. The show goes behind the scenes of a Broadway chorus line audition in 1975. Over the course of two hours, with no intermission, the audience gets to know what brought each dancer to this point.
With a huge cast and a simple set, the show defies many musical norms. There's no major plot, instead it's a compilation of individual stories. The blank stage has a wall of mirrors and little else to distract from the dancers. You quickly realize that the dancers themselves have become the set. Their flawless bodies pose and stand frozen as the spotlight singles out one individual to perform. The other 16 actors stand, all graceful angles, creating the perfect backdrop.
The cast is equal parts hilarious, heart breaking and incredibly talented. They sing, they dance and they sass, all while trying to manage their nervousness and anticipation. From the deliciously cold diva Shelia to the effusive but (intentionally) vocally-challenge Kristine, the cast creates a wonderfully entertaining group. Every single one of them brings something distinct to the mix. Zach, the director searching for his chorus line, is no exception. With a gruff voice a sprightly steps, he somehow intimidates and encourages them to open up all at the same time.
This love letter to Broadway's hardest working group is the ideal platform to allow dancers to demonstrate their tireless love for what they do. The show is brilliantly choreographed, an absolute joy to watch. Every single high-kick counts when their potential job is on the line. The high energy needed to execute the constant stream of dance is daunting. The lighting is particularly important to this show as well. A single spotlight often distinguished between the sea of leotards to show the audience who's speaking.
Tall, short, male, female, each one is unique, but when they dance in the line they create a single being that moves in perfect unison. They are all passionately in love ... with dancing.
Don't Miss the Show
The show runs until Sunday, April 25 at Clowes Memorial Hall so hurry to get tickets to the show. Tickets can be purchased at Clowes Memorial Hall, The Murat Theatre, by calling (800)-982-2787 or online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Photos courtesy of Broadway Across America
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