A Chorus Line Review

"a landmark revival that simply has to be seen."

After the tough time, everyone in theatre has endured due to the COVID pandemic A Chrous Line feels even more timely than ever as it lifts the curtain on the toil and sacrifices performers make just to get a job within the chorus of the latest production. Under Curve's Nikolai Foster the musical is giving a sensational re-invention bringing Broadway to Leicester.

Right from the opening scene, this production is a visual cornucopia of delights. As the stage curtain lifts and into view come the auditioning hopefuls through the haze and the lights as they're being put through their paces by Zach the director (played by Adam Cooper). 

The cast of A Chorus Line. Photo by Marc Brenner.

After the memorable opening, the numbers are cut to leave us with a chorus line of hopefuls. The cut individuals are made up of Curve's Young Ensemble who are stars of the future and it's great to see them getting some experience. 

The show explores the individual bringing in their own experiences, hopes, and dreams to centre stage. It all feels very real. You believe the stories, which were taken from real performers who sold their stories for $1. 

Each member of the line is excellently characterised by a company of outstanding performers. Numbers such as 'Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love' build and build to big dance routines whereas others more intimately convey the emotion felt. Ellen Kane's vibrant and stylish choreography delights as the never-tiring company never miss a beat of movement.

It's difficult to pick out individuals from such a strong cast but a special mention to Carly Mercedes Dyer who stands out as Cassie, the former partner of director Zach. Dyer makes things look effortless especially in her big solo number 'The Music and The Mirror'. Here is a top-level talent in her element. 

Lighting designer Howard Hudson has thrown everything at his design and it works a treat. The largely bare stage is lit up like never before with each scene enhanced by light. Musical director Tamara Saringer and the musicians are mostly kept out of sight at the back corner of the stage but create a great sound in bringing to life Marvin Hamlisch's score.

Charlotte Scott as Maggie Winslow and the cast of A Chorus Line. Photo by Marc Brenner

The only slight blot with the production comes with the on-stage camera which shows close-ups of faces on the backdrop of the stage. It is always out of sync and becomes slightly distracting at times. 

The production goes through waves of emotion and elation and builds to powerful 'What I Did For Love' which is led superbly by Lizzy-Rose Esin-Kelly's Diana, before the finale that is worthy of the ticket fee alone. The showstopping 'One' brings the performance to a close with a moment of a real spectacle. Hudson's lighting goes to the next level as the performers all decked out in gold all combine to create an unforgettable scene.

A Chorus Line ironically goes beyond the curtain and opens the eyes of the audience to what life can be like on a theatre show. Foster and company have delivered a landmark revival that simply has to be seen. World-class.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Chorus Line continues at Curve until Friday 31st December 2021. Tickets are available from http://curveonline.co.uk/

Bradley Delarosbel as Gregory Gardner. Photo by Marc Brenner