BWW Reviews: North Carolina Theatre's A CHORUS LINE

Focused on seventeen dancers auditioning for spots in the chorus of a Broadway show, A Chorus Line is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre during an audition for a musical. It also provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.

The original production first opened on Broadway on July 25th, 1975, directed, choreographed and conceived by Michael Bennett. It went on to take the world by storm, becoming an unprecedented box office and critical hit. A Chorus Line also went on to win 9 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, spawned many successful productions around the world, and ran for 6,137 performances after closing on April 28th, 1990 after a record-breaking fifteen year-long run.

The current production which just opened at North Carolina Theatre, running through October 19th, is directed and choreographed by Mitzi Hamilton, who has a long history with the show itself. Not only did she appear in the original cast in London's West End, but also provided inspiration for the character of "Val", played in this production by Rachel Schur. Hamilton re-creates Michael Bennett's original staging, resulting in a glorious production of a glorious show!

Straight from the opening audition number, to the grand finale, you really do feel like you're a part of the journey the characters take through an honest portrayal of what actors go through in the audition process for a Broadway musical. This very talented cast includes Nick Varricchio as the aggressive showoff Mike; Tiffany Chalothorn as the short and entertaining Connie Wong; Jonathan Stahl as the sassy gay Jew, Greg; Jessica Lee Goldyn as the former Broadway star, Cassie; Hilary Michael Thompson as the sassy Sheila; Kelsey Walston as the optimistic Bebe; Kinsland Howell as the tall and statuesque Judy Turner; Sidney Dupont as the enthusiastic Richie; North Carolina native Ashley Adamek as the untalented Kristine; Rachel Schur as the foul-mouthed Val; and Alexander Cruz as the heartbreaking Paul.

Aside from the energetic choreography, other standout moments include 'I Hope I Get It', 'I Can Do That', 'At the Ballet', 'The Music and The Mirror', 'What I Did For Love', and of course, 'One'. Special credit goes out to Craig Stelzenmuller for his brilliant lighting designs, and musical director Edward G. Robinson and his energetic orchestra!

A Chorus Line has always been viewed as a Landmark Musical for a reason, it is absolutely one of the greatest works in the world that needs to be seen live onstage! I strongly suggest you buy your tickets to see this production at North Carolina Theatre as it truly is 'One Singular Sensation'!

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