A Chorus Line: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
7th September 2024
★★★★
The hit Broadway musical A Chorus Line which follows seventeen performers as they are put through their paces in the final, gruelling audition for a new musical, is currently touring the UK. This musical revolutionised Broadway on its debut in 1975, with creator Michael Bennett using real-life testimonies from late-night recording sessions with dancers. This fresh, new production is directed by Nikolai Foster, with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, A Chorus Line features iconic songs including ‘One‘, ‘I Hope I get it‘, and ‘What I Did for Love’.
A Chorus Line is just as it says – a chorus, an ensemble and in this cast every single member is excellent. Carly Mercedes Dyer is superb as Cassie, managing to not only belt out a huge vocal number but also show off her dance skills in a very high pace and technically difficult solo. She has full command of the audience with her magnetic performance. Jocasta Almgill also stands out as Diana, managing to bring the house down with two very tricky vocal numbers including the much loved song ‘What I Did For Love‘. Manuel Pacific’s powerful monologue as Paul San Marco is well performed and full of subtle, real emotion. A Chorus Line’s script goes on a full journey of emotions and has some very comic moments. Joshua Lay and Katie Lee’s performance of ‘Sing‘ is hilarious and Amy Thornton, Chloe Saunders and Toby Seddon must also be mentioned for their fantastic performances. There are a few moments in the ensemble songs where the lead vocalist cannot be heard and at times the lights reflecting from the mirrors can be off putting and
This production of A Chorus Line remains true to the original ethos, it has the same feel as the 2013’s run at the Palladium with minimal sets and costumes and a focus on each individual performer. It manages to mix this traditional staging with more contemporary ideas such as using onstage cameras close up on the actors. This is something which seems to be growing in popularity from Bat Out of Hell to Jamie Lloyd’s Sunset Boulevard. It does add something to the show by allowing the audience to see the actors closer, particularly when their thoughts and nerves in ‘I Hope I Get It‘. Howard Hudson’s lighting works brilliantly alongside Grace Smart’s clever set design emulating the stage of a darkened theatre. Unfortunately, there are a few moments in the ensemble songs where the lead vocalist cannot be heard and at times the lights reflecting from the mirrors can be off putting but it doesn’t affect the show massively.
A Chorus Line is known as a dance musical and the choreography by Ellen Kane and Bob Avian is everything you would expect from this musical, culminating in the iconic gold costume and top hat routine which A Chorus Line is associated with. The talented cast perform almost continuously throughout the 2-hour show, but despite this the energy and precision is strong throughout.
A Chorus Line is full of showstopping dance routines, comedy and heartbreak. Audiences love to see ‘behind the stage’ and this show offers just that – particularly as many of the testimonies are true. This production is still as relevant as it was in 1975 and has some timeless musical numbers. The tight and lively choreography, mixed with glitz and glamour of Broadway and superb vocals make this show a great hit.
A Chorus Line continues to tour the UK until the 5th October 2024. For more information and tickets click here.
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner
Musical Manda 
Leave a comment