BWW Reviews: Ignite Theatre's A CHORUS LINE - Surprisingly Delightful

A CHORUS LINE, presented by Ignite Theatre, is a delightful spin through one of the most recognized and loved dance/audition musicals of all time. Based on the book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, this Tony Award winning Broadway show follows a group of nineteen auditionees "on the line" as their lives - dancing and otherwise - are laid bare, all for that one big break.

5-6-7-8! This show is really great!

Okay. So I'm no poet. Let's talk about those fabulous numbers! At the Ballet was a lovely performance by trio Sheila (Sara Rosenberg), Bebe (Justine Summers McClain), and Maggie (Cortney Patson), even if their voices were somewhat mismatched. Diana's (Angela Mendez) song Nothing was beautiful to watch and hear. Mendez also carried the sadness and reflection of What I Did for Love with stunning profundity. Melissa Morris as silicone-implanted Val was thoroughly enjoyable and laugh out loud funny in Dance: Ten, Looks: Three. Other highlights include Owen Niland as director Zach, who commanded the stage and moved the show along with fluidity and ease, and Colin Roybal as Paul, who offered a monologue that moved audience members to tears. Janell Kim was adorable as Connie and Sara Rosenberg exuded sexuality and range as Sheila. I must also give mad props to Kris Graves as assistant director Larry, who, as a man of larger stature, embodies confidence and comfort, possessing the grace and ease of a professional ballet dancer. I must also compliment the cast as a whole on some fierce dancing (choreographed by D.P. Perkins, Stephanie Prugh, and Matthew Dailey). They are all different body shapes and sizes which made them real rather than the pencil-thin stereotypes we are used to seeing in every aspect of media today. So, major kudos to show director Pat Payne and musical director Midge McMoyer Smith for choosing real-world talent for this production!

While I did thoroughly enjoy this production it was not without its share of problems. Some of the more oticeable ones were finding a balance between the band and the people trying to sing over it. At times (especially during Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love) the music was so loud that it overpowered the cast, making some of those award-winning lyrics difficult to understand. Liane Adamo, as long-time musical pro Cassie, is a strong and graceful dancer, but her acting and singing left something to be desired. That analysis can actually be applied to the overall production - the dancing seems to be the strength of this company, but the singing and acting lack in several areas. All that said, I admit I laughed more in this production of A CHORUS LINE than any I have seen before - and I've seen some Chorus Lines in my time!

Although sprinkled with a glitch here and there, they can all be forgiven because this really is a dynamic and entertaining show. The music gets in you and stays for a while. The humor and dancing are extraordinary; the strength and grace of the performers outstanding; the fantastic musical numbers timeless. So step-ball-chain your way down to Ignite Theatre's A CHORUS LINE at the Aurora Fox Arts Center! I guarantee you will walk (or dance) out of the theatre knowing without a doubt that dreams do come true. This show plays now through November 7th. For tickets or information, contact the box office at 720-362-2697 or online at www.lucentperformingarts.org.

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