A show that studies the life of chorus members aiming to successfully be a part of the ensemble in a big Broadway show highlights the struggles of trying to make it in the entertainment business.
As the show begins with a burst of colour and a troupe of performers in bright outfits, this contrasts with a very stripped-back production with everything exposed including the theatre wings and minimal set. This new look to the show as part of the updated Leicester Curve Theatre production which undertakes this UK tour, transports you to the theatre as a real rehearsal space with the actors auditioning on likely the same stage as the future Broadway show they aim to perform in. Throughout the show, the actors share their stories of how they got to this point in their careers, some training for years and trying to now get their big break, whilst others are returning to the chorus line after years of trying to get bigger roles to little success. The show has its moments of Broadway lavishness, like in its big iconic closing number “One”, which is full of spectacle and lights, but the moments proceeding this showcase the creative process, and how difficult the auditions can be to even make it to the second round, and then maybe finally becoming one of those lucky few selected to be performers for the show.
The show’s highlights are in the incredible dancing abilities of all the performers as well as the excellent choreography by Tony and Olivier nominated choreographer, Ellen Kane. The musical numbers allow for one or two performers to be showcased at each time giving further detail about their characters' back stories, whilst also showing the actors styles and abilities in dance. “Sing” is a rather funny number whereby one of the characters, Kristine explains that she is a brilliant dancer but she has never been able to sing. The character of Al and the wider company then sing the higher notes for Kristine throughout the number. The song “At the Ballet” is also an interesting number whereby the characters talk about how they see ballet as an escape from the hardships of home and family life. Other key musical highlights include the show’s opening “I Hope I Get It” in which all the performers share their desperation for a role, and “What I Did for Love” which asks the performers what they would do if they never could dance again.
Casting-wise, the show is filled with a mixture of West End and touring talents. Dancer, Choreographer and Actor, Adam Cooper returns to the show after its celebrated Leicester Curve Theatre run in 2021, he portrays the ambitious director trying to cast the musical theatre production. He can showcase his acting strengths and his brilliant dance with the role. Additionally, Carly Mercedes Dyer returns to the show playing Cassie following roles in the Barbican production of Anything Goes, and leading the recent tour of “The Drifters Girl”. Carly is a brilliant triple-threat performer and in the number “The Music and the Mirror” she showcases her fantastic dance abilities and her vocal strengths effectively. Additionally, the ensemble delivers strong performances full of energy and together bring the auditionees' stories brilliantly to life.
The production tries its best to combine this timeless Broadway tale, with modern theatre techniques with the use of cameras at various points, particularly in the opening half of the show. Although this is becoming more and more popular, the show’s use of this doesn't add anything to the story and feels like this dialogue could equally be performed well to the audience. If anything, having this on a screen which was on the left-hand side of the stage meant for some audiencegoers, the screen wasn't visible so they were missing some action. As a lot is going on musically, adding additional video on the screens felt like too much was happening at times. Gladly only a couple of moments used this, so didn’t take away from the performance in any significant way.
A Chorus Line is a showcase of the highs and lows of chorus life in theatre. Through showcasing each performer individually, and as part of the larger chorus numbers, you can gain a snapshot into what it's like for these individuals who are trying to get by doing something they love.
This show has been rated ☆☆☆☆
A Chorus Line runs at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh until the 28th Of September. Tickets are available here: https://www.capitaltheatres.com/whats-on/all-shows/a-chorus-line/2263
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