[AD – PR invite*]
★★★★
The classic Broadway musical ‘A Chorus Line’ has been revived for 2024, opening at the Leicester Curve before a summer run at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London and a UK tour. Directed and reimagined by the Curve’s Artistic Director Nikolai Foster, the production celebrates the unsung heroes of musical theatre, taking audiences behind the scenes during the making of a Broadway show, covering the highly competitive audition process. Based at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury this week, I had the opportunity to review the revival on opening night, intrigued to see how the creative team would breathe new life into the 1975 hit.
Creative choices and production design
The musical focuses on 17 hopefuls dreaming of a place in the chorus line, where the audience is invited into rehearsals and witnesses the intense elimination process. Utilising a single dance studio set, the staging is incredibly open and raw, with enigmatic, dynamic lighting showcasing the highs and lows of striving for a career on stage. A live camera is used to highlight the scrutiny that the performers are under and when combined with a compelling voiceover from the director Zach (Adam Cooper), evokes the feeling of a creative standing at the back of the auditorium, watching from afar. The amplification of the overhead voice is quite high in contrast to the character’s regular microphone, but that being said, it certainly reflects the unimaginable pressure that the dancers are under.
The production is confined to a single act playing for 1 hour 50 minutes straight through, following the source material and not breaking for an interval. Whilst it is evident that impact is maintained throughout, it does feel slightly too lengthy without an intermission and could be better digested in two parts.
A masterclass in song and dance
The revival is packed full of exceptional interpretations of Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban’s musical numbers, as well as exhilarating dance sequences. Ellen Kane’s magnificent choreography and David Shrubsole’s orchestrations transport spectators to New York City and the razzmatazz of Broadway. The company excels at the material provided, ensuring care, precision and refinement in the complex movements and impactful vocal arrangements.
Captivating cast performances
Adam Cooper plays inquisitive and innovative director Zach with passion, encouraging the performers to share their inner stories, but also retaining an element of reservation given his role in deciding their fates. Carly Mercedes Dyer is a revelation as the down on their luck Cassie, drawing the audience in during ‘The Music and the Mirror’, with this scene elevated to new heights thanks to Grace Smart’s mirror-backed set. The characters’ chemistry is a focal point of the show, contributing to the overall intensity of the performance.
A thrilling insight into the theatrical audition process
This revival of ‘A Chorus Line’ is certainly a ‘singular sensation’, featuring world-class choreography, powerful cast performances and the anticipation and excitement of Broadway theatre. Too often we focus on the stars at the helm of productions and this modern and fresh revival of Michael Bennett’s musical continues to place the spotlight on the ensemble, who are without a doubt the beating heart of musical theatre. ‘A Chorus Line’ is based at The Marlowe Theatre until Saturday 7th September, with last minute tickets available via the theatre’s website.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
*My ticket for ‘A Chorus Line’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
Comments