A Chorus Line
London Palladium, London
This musical about the challenges faced by hundreds of performers competing for a few roles is told with so much heart in this fantastic production. Directed by the original co-choreographer, Bob Avian, there is a sense that the cast and production team cares for this musical and it shows.
The plot is a basic one, where John Partridge as director and choreographer, Zach, puts on an audition for a new musical. He chooses 17 hopefuls and now has to find "four and four" for the chorus line, so he then asks each dancer to tell him about themselves. The musical is based on "tapes of informal sessions in which a group of long-time Broadway dancers recounted their battle scars, frustrations, heartbreaks, fears and small triumphs". Indeed as the play progresses each character steps forward from the line of auditionees to tell Zach about their different stories.
The plot is a basic one, where John Partridge as director and choreographer, Zach, puts on an audition for a new musical. He chooses 17 hopefuls and now has to find "four and four" for the chorus line, so he then asks each dancer to tell him about themselves. The musical is based on "tapes of informal sessions in which a group of long-time Broadway dancers recounted their battle scars, frustrations, heartbreaks, fears and small triumphs". Indeed as the play progresses each character steps forward from the line of auditionees to tell Zach about their different stories.
The first few are interesting to hear. As the first to tell his story, Adam Salter starts hesitantly but grows in confidence and optimism showing dozens of dance moves during I could do that. Simon Hardwick as Al is a caring, if overbearing, husband to Frances Dee's tone-deaf Kristine, as he finishes all her verses in tune. Rebecca Herszenhorn is a flirtatious Val, as she confides in the song Tits and Ass how she had to have plastic surgery to enhance her looks and gain attention.
But soon the musical begins to show how chorus dancing matters to the auditionees. Leigh Zimmerman plays veteran dancer Sheila, a competitive woman who at first does not take Zach's new approach to the audition seriously. However, she soon begins to confide her unhappy childhood. Together with Daisy Maywood and Vicki Lee Taylor as Bebe and Maggie, the three quaintly show how dancing allowed them to escape from life "At the Ballet".
Scarlett Strallen is almost the mirror image of her character, Cassie, a veteran dancer and successful singer. Yet as she reveals why she has decided to go back to the chorus line, there follows a heated confrontation between her and Zach. Soon afterwards she performs a passionately fiery dance number in The Music and the Mirror. John Partridge meanwhile commands the audition as the imperious Zach, whilst at times he gets to show a caring side to his character.
My favourite actor though would have to be Gary Wood as Paul. He was a nervous young man who remains in the background until the second half of the musical. The story he tells Zach about his early career as a drag act gradually becomes more poignant as he describes his struggle with his homosexuality.
But let us not forget about the dancing and songs. I was attracted to this musical by listening to the music, and now that I have finally seen this production it did not dissapoint. From the start a simple audition turns into a vigorous and competitive song and dance number, I hope I get it, as the music comes alive with thunderous aplomb. Auditionees struggle to keep up with the veterans, whilst others sing of their longing for the job that is only available for the best. During the rest of the musical we get to see each wannabe show off their dancing. When the musical finishes with One (Reprise) the chosen dancers get to show the spectacular dance number they were auditioned to do
The set is a simple one, consisting of a black stage with a wall of mirrors at the back and a white line along the floor. This allows the audience to focus on the dancing and drama that takes place within this space. It is only when the musical gets to One (Reprise) that the stage becomes an extravaganza and the dancers wear golden satin costumes. Special mention though must go to the lighting designer, Tharon Musser, for providing some colourful and stylistic moments in the musical.
This is not your typical musical is full of spectacle and entertainment from beginning to end, so bear that in mind if you are just looking for a good night out. However this production is recommended not just because of the music and dancing, but because it gives you an insight into the life of the budding performer in the musical theatre industry. This is put across by a perfect cast, who help to create some poignant moments. This should be seen at a high Top Price
But soon the musical begins to show how chorus dancing matters to the auditionees. Leigh Zimmerman plays veteran dancer Sheila, a competitive woman who at first does not take Zach's new approach to the audition seriously. However, she soon begins to confide her unhappy childhood. Together with Daisy Maywood and Vicki Lee Taylor as Bebe and Maggie, the three quaintly show how dancing allowed them to escape from life "At the Ballet".
Scarlett Strallen is almost the mirror image of her character, Cassie, a veteran dancer and successful singer. Yet as she reveals why she has decided to go back to the chorus line, there follows a heated confrontation between her and Zach. Soon afterwards she performs a passionately fiery dance number in The Music and the Mirror. John Partridge meanwhile commands the audition as the imperious Zach, whilst at times he gets to show a caring side to his character.
My favourite actor though would have to be Gary Wood as Paul. He was a nervous young man who remains in the background until the second half of the musical. The story he tells Zach about his early career as a drag act gradually becomes more poignant as he describes his struggle with his homosexuality.
But let us not forget about the dancing and songs. I was attracted to this musical by listening to the music, and now that I have finally seen this production it did not dissapoint. From the start a simple audition turns into a vigorous and competitive song and dance number, I hope I get it, as the music comes alive with thunderous aplomb. Auditionees struggle to keep up with the veterans, whilst others sing of their longing for the job that is only available for the best. During the rest of the musical we get to see each wannabe show off their dancing. When the musical finishes with One (Reprise) the chosen dancers get to show the spectacular dance number they were auditioned to do
The set is a simple one, consisting of a black stage with a wall of mirrors at the back and a white line along the floor. This allows the audience to focus on the dancing and drama that takes place within this space. It is only when the musical gets to One (Reprise) that the stage becomes an extravaganza and the dancers wear golden satin costumes. Special mention though must go to the lighting designer, Tharon Musser, for providing some colourful and stylistic moments in the musical.
This is not your typical musical is full of spectacle and entertainment from beginning to end, so bear that in mind if you are just looking for a good night out. However this production is recommended not just because of the music and dancing, but because it gives you an insight into the life of the budding performer in the musical theatre industry. This is put across by a perfect cast, who help to create some poignant moments. This should be seen at a high Top Price
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