Review: 'A Chorus Line' at Providence Performing Arts Center

Conceived and originally choreographed by Michael Bennett in 1975, A Chorus Line's book is by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Keban. This production, directed by Bob Avian, faithfully re-creates Bennett's masterpiece. Baayork Lee beautifully re-stages Bennett's original iconic choreography.

In A Chorus Line, a group of Broadway gypsies and would-be gypsies are at an audition. There are 20 or so prospective dancers and only 8 roles to be cast. A Chorus Line lets the audience sit in on the auditions which take place in, more or less, real time.

Many of the current, touring, cast were in the 2006 Broadway revival. It shows. The dancing, the choreography of which is hard-wired into theater lover's brains, is phenomenal. The ensemble pieces are tight. Cassie's (Robyn Hurder) solo 'The Music and the Mirror' is captivating.

Paul's (Kevin Santos) monologue about growing up gay, loving movie musicals and his parent's discovering his early show business job as a chorus girl, still has bite.

Mindy Dougherty, as Val, does a bang-up job with 'Dance: Ten; Looks: Three'.

In the performance I saw, the role of Connie was played by Stephanie Martignetti. It is probably only theater purists who noticed that, though exceptionally talented, Martignetti is not the right physical type or ethnicity for the role.

The four-member orchestra, conducted by John O'Neil, complete the Broadway illusion. They bring the big, brassy, sound that is associated with the musical. The sound mixer, however, needs to mic them down. On more than one occasion, the performers were drowned out by the orchestra.

No matter how many times I see it, I will never tire of A Chorus Line. Of the many terrific productions I have seen, this current touring production comes out on top.

The Providence engagement of A Chorus Line is presented by an arrangement with The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) and Citizens Bank Broadway Series. The show plays through Sunday, April 5^th.

Tickets range from $41 - $68 and can be purchased at the PPAC Box Office at 220 Weybosset St., Providence, RI or by phone at 401-421-ARTS. Ticket may also be purchased online at www.ppacri.org.

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