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A Chorus Line
It's been almost 35 years since A Chorus Line made its
spectacular New York debut, and the touring production now at Washington's
National Theatre proves that the show still works. Interestingly, Michael
Bennett's deconstruction of the lives of Broadway dancers now operates on two
levels simultaneously: as a historic monument of its original era, 1975, and as
a set of iconic characters brought to life by performers of a more recent
generation.
On the surface, this production—based on the 2006 Broadway revival—has the
hallmarks of the original. Bob Avian, Bennett's co-choreographer in 1975,
directed this version, and original cast member Baayork Lee oversaw the
choreography. Even Robin Wagner's minimalist scenery is the same. The difference
is in the performances: the cast is uniformly sharp and focused, and some of
them echo their predecessors, but others take their characterizations in
surprising directions.
For example, openly gay characters were not very familiar to mainstream
Broadway audiences in the 1970s. Today, Bobby (Ian Liberto) can portray himself
without shame in the manner of a young Charles Nelson Reilly, and Greg (Alex
Ringler) has an attitude that makes his personal revelation less than a shock.
On the other hand, Paul (understudy Jordan Fife Hunt) has an angelic appearance
and a quiet, gentle dignity that provides the necessary depth to his long
monologue.
Mindy Dougherty is delightfully effervescent as Val, the sweet-faced blonde
who owes her success to her surgical enhancements. Bethany Moore has a likable
Carol Burnett quality as tall, thin, Midwestern Judy Turner (although the joke
she makes about her name is different from the original, which referred to a
bygone Hollywood star). Hollie Howard is self-possessed as low-key Maggie, who
blossoms in "At the Ballet," while Clyde Alves gets to show off his acrobatic
moves as Mike in "I Can Do That." However, Shannon Lewis' shrill performance as
outwardly tough Sheila makes the character not just cynical as written, but
irritating.
As Cassie, the one-time featured dancer trying to return to the chorus, Robyn
Hurder is a fluid, sinuous dancer; "The Music and the Mirror" is still a
striking solo, and much more affecting here than the personal interplay between
her and director Zach (Sebastian La Cause). The emotional heart of this
production is less in their connection than in the link forged between Zach and
Paul.
The National Theatre
A Chorus Line
March 10th –
22nd
Conceived and originally choreographed and directed by Michael
Bennett
Book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante
Music by Marvin
Hamlisch
Lyrics by Edward Kleban
Choreography restaged by Baayork
Lee
Directed and originally co-choreographed by Bob Avian
Lois: Deanna
Aguinaga
Mike: Clyde Alves
Roy: Venny Carranza
Bebe: Dena
DiGiacinto
Connie: Liza B. Domingo
Val: Mindy Dougherty
Don: Derek
Hanson
Maggie: Hollie Howard
Mark: David Hull
Frank: Jordan Fife
Hunt
Cassie: Robyn Hurder
Vicki: Julie Kotarides
Zach: Sebastian La
Cause
Kristine: Jessica Latshaw
Sheila: Shannon Lewis
Bobby: Ian
Liberto
Tricia: Stephanie Martignetti
Judy: Bethany Moore
Al: Colt
Prattes
Greg: Alex Ringler
Diana: Gabrielle Ruiz
Tom: Clifton
Samuels
Paul: Kevin Santos
Larry: Brandon Tyler
Richie: Anthony
Wayne
Butch: J.R. Whittington
Swings: Colin Bradbury, Erica Mansfield,
Rebecca Riker, Amos Wolff
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave.
N.W.
Washington, DC
Ticket Information: 1-800-447-7400 or www.telecharge.com