My "Chorus Line" review

[Ciaron McCarthy]

Posted: 10/15/06 at 3:20pm

OK today I did something I have not done in a long long long time. I went to a friggin sat matinee to see "A Chorus Line".

Here are my thoughts.......

I went in thinking I was gonna hate it!! In fact, the only reason I went was because I had great seats. Ummmm what to say what to say. I liked it. Would I see it again? Probably not. Here's a run down:

Choreography: Let's face it. This show could have no book or songs and could entertain with the AMAZING choreography of Michael Bennet and Bob Avian. Bayoork Lee (original Connie) did a terrific job re-creating all of Bennets original dances for this revival. She had her work cut out for her. Anyone who has seen the show knows that this is not easy dancing lol. This stuff looks like it could break a person.

Music/lyrics: Not bothering we all know the score. Its the same.

Book: This seems to be the big debate about this revival. Should the concept/book have been updated. Avian was strongly against it (prob because Bennet is dead and he didnt want to **** with something sacred). I for one think it needed an update. The stories are still as real as they were in 1975 but the reaction to them is not. The audience is not shocked by anything these kids say now. This is 2006 where not much is not said.

Performances:

Charlotte d'Ambrose (Cassie): OK this is gonna be rough. Let me first say that it is a well known fact that Charlotte is and has been the best dancer on broadway for a loooooong time (Jerome Robbins Tony Nom) She is incredibly gifted and seemed born to dance to Bennet. I think most of the reviews she has recieved regarding her acting have been completely unfair. She is a very very good actress. She gives us the "Cassie" we all know and love. Many reviewers have said she plays the role with too much determination and drive and that pisses me off. Since when is "Cassie" a frightened little bird? She is determined and her drive is what takes her character from one place to the next. Her drive just isnt taking her to stardom. It's taking her to dance!! "I want to do what I love for as long as I can". That sums her up perfectly and Charlotte does a fantastic job getting that point across. That being said.....I don't think the reviewers were nearly as hard on her vocal ability as they should have been. I don't think I have ever heard such a horrid voice!! She was making me cringe during "Music and the Mirror". It was like she went from Cassie to Norma Desmond. Her face all contorted and the notes just not coming out. It was horrible. One of the greatest things about Donne McKechnie (Broadways original Cassie) was that not only was she an incredible dancer but she managed to belt the hell out of this song while doing this extremely difficult routine. Those of you who have never seen the routine need to go to YouTube.com and search for the clip of Donna. Bennet had a lot of nerve asking Donna to complete this scene. It's seeminly impossible. Anyway, back to Charlotte. When she shut her mouth and danced it was pure magic. She brings Bennets solo dance back to its full glory!! You just cant stop staring at her wondering where she gets this performance from. It's amazing!!

Michael Barrese: (Zach) Hated him! No chemistry between him and charlotte. He also seemed too gay in the role (I know this should be a good thing considering that Cassie is based on Donna Mckechnie who was Bennets husband who was in fact gay) but it doesnt. Was not happy with him.

Natalie Cortez (Diana) People around me were asking why Cassie is considered the lead when Diana gets the two most popular numbers in the show. I had to remind them the show is about the dancing and Bennets genius move having Zach criticize Cassie all throughout "One" so that the audience once again cannot take their eyes off her. However, Diana is def a HUGE part of the show. Natalie was good. She wasn't great. The voice was sweet and solid but nothing to freak out about. They changed "What I Did For Love" into a more traditional musical theater song so she sings the whole song by herself. The rest of the dancers sing only at the end. No accent, which I think is needed for the role.

Deidre Godwin: (Sheila) OK she looks like Amarosa from "The Apprentice". She was OK. Great dancer, great actress, OK singer. Problem is she did not make you feel sorry enough for Sheila. When she gets cut at the end you really dont care much.

Mari Davie (Maggie) best singer in the cast. "At the Ballet" is awesome!! She does a great job.

Jessica Lee Goldyn (Val) LOVED HER!! So funny! Val is just such a fun character and Jessica did a great job with her. The Times seemed to like her too. As I was reading Brantleys review I couldnt help but picture Jessica reading it with a grin on her face.

Jason Tam (Paul) Might as well just hand him the Tony now. He was AMAZING! Best in the whole show. Paul is such a sympathetic character but, if not played right, can be a little pathetic. Jason did an excellent job. Fantastic actor, singer and dancer. I predict a Tony.