Review: A CHORUS LINE at Atlanta Lyric Theatre

God, I hope I get it. I hope I get it.

These familiar words rang through my head (and probably many others, let's be real) in preparation for the opening number of A CHORUS LINE at the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. With a bare stage decorated only with a stool- oh yeah, and "the line"- just walking into the theatre began the immersion process into the world of 17 dancers auditioning to be in the chorus of a glitzy Broadway musical.

It's a show all about the ensemble, finally giving the talented individuals who usually blend into a big blob of high kicks and glitter their own moment to shine. The story is a powerful depiction of what dancers give up to do what they love. Namely, sacrificing their individuality and unique flare to look just like everyone else. It's heartbreaking really. The compelling nature of this 1975 Tony Award-winning musical speaks volumes about why theatres across the country continue to perform it year after year.

For significant portions of this show, like Paul's monologue and "What I Did for Love" for instance, the lighting was so dim as to place a barrier between the audience and the story. Having to squint ever so slightly, periodically wondering if the stage would get brighter or if I was going blind took me completely out of the narrative. It was a huge reminder that I was actually sitting in a theatre watching actors, rather than being a fly on the wall in a real audition.

As with any famous musical, many songs traditionally utilize the same choreography as the original Broadway version, such as the opener, "I Hope I Get It." This electric sequence, arguably one of the most well-known from the musical, kicked off the performance with great promise, which did not prove to set the tone for the rest of the production.

The cast's execution of another memorable song, "One (Reprise)" landed less well than "I Hope I Get It." It ended up disjointed overall, with unsynchronized hat choreography rather than the precision that may be expected of a highly competitive chorus line. Also contributing to the jarring nature of the closer was the show within a show's director Zach joining the line. He seemed very out of place, and his presence took away from the sense of camaraderie the dancers had been building together for the last hour and a half or so.

As can be expected of professional theatre in Atlanta, the performers showcased top-notch talent. Some particularly standout actors redeemed portions of the show despite lighting and sound issues, including Alvaro Francisco. As Paul, he connected his character's heart wrenching story to the audience in a powerful way, as did Chani Maisonet with her powerhouse vocals as she performed Diana's "Nothing" and "What I Did for Love." As Cassie, Ashley Chasteen brought a vulnerable fervor to the experienced dancer who is returning to the chorus after venturing into ingénue territory. Her beautiful performance of "The Music and the Mirror" was a particular high point of the whole evening.

Amid talented cast members and a few individually brilliant moments, including "At the Ballet," the production lacked polish overall, with unblended vocals and solo lines lost in a sea of overpowering backup voices and music.

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Come experience this "singular sensation" in Atlanta Lyric Theatre's new production of A Chorus Line at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre through November 6. Tickets are on sale now at www.AtlantaLyric.com or by calling 404-377-9948.

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