Step up to ‘A Chorus Line’
By Juliet Schoen / Staff Writer
“A Chorus Line” may not be the best musical ever, as advertised, but it certainly rates as one of the most entertaining. The revival at the Ahmanson Theater is terrific and not to be missed. The cast is stellar and the dancing is sensational, as is to be expected.
The format of this musical is quite different from others of the genre, with a book that follows no story line, but focuses instead on the backgrounds of the dancers. Sixteen professionals are trying out for a role in the chorus of an upcoming musical. The director asks them personal questions, and learns about their lives and about their determination to dance.
The audience gains insight and respect for these young people who are devoted to dancing. During the course of the evening, you discover how difficult it is to become proficient and to audition for a spot in a Broadway show.
The dance routines are fascinating. How do they all know what to do? How can they achieve such unison? Only eight of the sixteen with be chosen. How will they deal with rejection? The audience can feel sympathy with those who must leave and look for jobs elsewhere.
The stories told by the dancers are sad, funny, touching and even outrageous.
Originally choreographed by the late Michael Bennett, it has been restaged by Baayork Lee. Bob Avian, who was originally a co-choreographer, serves as director and does a super job. The clever book is by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante.
Many of the songs are familiar, such as “One” and “What I Did for Love.” Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban are responsible for the delightful music and lyrics.
Everyone in the cast of 16 is excellent and must be admired not only for the precision dancing but also for the capable acting.
“A Chorus Line” has all the right moves.