A CHORUS LINE – Book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante; Music by Marvin Hamlisch; Lyrics by Edward Kleban; Directed and Choreographed by Allison Eversoll. Produced by Performance Now Theatre Company (Presented at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood) through March 29. Tickets available at 303-987-7845 or Tickets@Lakewood.org.
Bravo to a reimagined CHORUS LINE! This is an iconic script whose original production set the standard for most future productions. Allison Eversoll, as both the director of the stories and the choreographer for the illustrative dances, honors most profoundly the dreams – the talent – the lives of all dancers on this stage and off. Her work proudly proclaims, “That was where we started 25 years ago. This is where we are today. Thank you, Mr. Bennett. Moving on!!”
To achieve this lovely production, she cast amazing dancers proficient in Broadway-style, ballet, and tap. Twenty-four of them! Together they formed a community, a dancing machine, a true ensemble that honors each individual’s talent. She trained them in the traditional routines with only minor changes. She introduced new staging for those numbers that could be refreshed. Nothing felt vintage. Everything seemed fresh and original.
For instance, Patrick Clarke started the evening with a strong turn in “I Can Do That.” The wondrous staging of “At the Ballet” featured the talent of the sexy Krista McDonald as Sheila, Kira Wendland as Bebe, and Kristen Lester-Miller as Maggie. But the addition of the total ensemble in the piece brought home the importance of every dancer’s early training. The bold treatment of “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” by Kellie Fox had us all looking at her purchased parts. Cole Emarine served two roles as the Production Costumer, pulling together the colorful rehearsal clothes and the iconic dazzling gold finale costumes. He also gave a touching performance as Paul, the gay “pony” dancer. Andrew Bates also played two important roles as both the Set Designer and in the role of Director Zach, who must choose eight dancers from the talented auditioners. Kristine Bachicha Hintz as Cassie danced a striking solo in “The Music and the Mirror. Versatile dancers Joe Barnard, Jeff Carara, and Stephen Turner all demonstrate why they are cast in show after show year after year.
While we can honor the individual work of cast members, the beauty of this production is in the beauty of the troupe. The way they invited us into their world and taught us, yet again, of their collective determination to keep on keeping on. There is a special poignancy to the conversation they have about how they will be reduced when they can no longer dance. This was beautifully illustrated by Andy Telesco as Diana singing “What I Did For Love.”
The production staff moved the bar as well, using a camera upstage to project both sides of the musical conversation. The hidden 8-piece band, led by Musical Director Zerek Dodson, assisted by Sound Designer Kat Allen, kept the musical accompaniment bright and balanced. Emily Maddox always does interesting things with lights; this production is no exception. Andrew Bates’ set, while deceptively simple, moved the show from reality to fantasy with ease. Cole’s costumes were both iconic and authentic. They also had to be built for a quick change. I can only imagine the chaos backstage in the change from rehearsal clothes to sparkling gold for the finale in something like 30 seconds. Another whole marvel of this delightful show.
If you have never seen A CHORUS LINE before, you will be amazed. If you have seen A CHORUS LINE before, you will be even more amazed. Keep on dancing, kids!!!
A WOW factor of 8.75!!