BWW Reviews: Simplicity, Raw Emotion Allow A CHORUS LINE to Shine at Hobby Center

A Chorus Line is not the impressive spectacle offered by most nationally touring musicals. It has no special effects and no impressive costumes. The minimalistic set consists of a series of mirrors, a black stool and the infamous line on which hopeful dancers await their fate. But it's simplicity that sets A Chorus Line apart and makes it feel genuine - and that's what makes it so powerful.

What A Chorus Line does have is catchy musical numbers and raw, relatable emotion as the characters overcome vulnerability and tear down protective walls to share their stories.

The show begins in the middle of a dance audition for a new Broadway musical as the hopeful dancers struggle to learn the dance sequence. While the uncompromising director, Zach played by Derek Hanson, calls out complicated dance steps, the dancers share a simple, common thought of "I hope I get it" quickly making the audience sympathetic to their plight.

The group is then narrowed down to 17 finalists and asked to share something from their past which will reveal their true selves. This is the point where A Chorus Line transforms from a simple story about an audition to a thought provoking examination of overcoming insecurity to chase a dream.

At first the dancers are reluctant to share anything personal and continue performing for the director. With increased encouragement, one by one the dancers open up.

As they go down the line everyone in the audience will find some part of a character they can relate to: the woman to afraid to age, the newlywed couple, the nervous, the insecure, the flirt, the overly enthusiastic, the one who never grew taller than 4'10", and the young boy who steals his sister's dance shoes because he just has to follow his passion. As the dancers share their desperate need for a job, their stories reveal this opportunity means so much more than a paycheck.

The dancers' stories are a mix of heart wrenching and humorous tales, but nothing is forced to fit a plot or prove a point. The back-stories feel real because most of them are as A Chorus Line was originally derived from a series of taped discussion sessions with Broadway dancers.

The most charismatic performance is given by Kristen Martin who plays Val, one of the hopeful dancers. Martin's beautiful, sultry voice shines during "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three" as she adorably portrays Val's withheld attitude creating many successful comedic moments.

Performed without intermission, the two-hour plot sequence of A Chorus Line is structured like a Broadway dance audition which helps each moment feel genuine, but at times it can feel like a dance audition with monotony and repetitive chorography. By the time each of the characters have shared their experiences, the story grows tiresome and when Zach asks to see one more tap combination you're wishing along with the dancers that Zach would just cast the chorus already.

But then the song "What I Did For Love" comfes like a breath of fresh air and the company, united with their love of dance, finally comes together to sing in beautiful harmony. Selina Verastigui (who plays Diana) passionately leads this musical tribute to their craft.

It's hard to miss the billboards around town or the promotional material at the theatre boldly proclaiming A Chorus Line as "The Best Musical. Ever." While I don't agree with this statement no one can deny the show's originality or its importance to American musical theatre. Opening on Broadway in 1975, the original production of A Chorus Line remains the longest-running American musical ever with 6,137 performances.

A Chorus Line is a powerful statement about not giving up a dream which transcends the world of Broadway dancing. The music will cause you to tap your feet as you root for 17 hopefuls in this unique American theatre classic.

A Chorus Line runs through January 17 at the Hobby Center. Tickets can be purchased through the Hobby Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-982-ARTS (2787) or online at www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

 

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