LaCageFans: A CHORUS LINE Review

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 8:36am

https://www.nycriticscorner.broadwayworld.com/achorusline.htm

A CHORUS LINE Review

These days, rich and rewarding experiences in the musical theatre world are far and few between; that is why the first Broadway revival of the mega-hit "A Chorus Line" truly is One Singular Sensation! Every single step taken in this restaging is danced to perfect accord by a marvelously assembled cast, directed by the legendary Bob Avian with restaged choreography by Baayork Lee from the power house that was Michael Bennett; this production of "A Chorus Line" is, much like its predecessor, an ensemble show overflowing with glorious riches.

The main treasure is, and will always remain, the haunting tale told through music and dance. In what is an obvious collaborative process, this show melds the rhythm and storytelling together so seamlessly, that one wonders how it ever all came together in the first place. Well, years later everyone knows "A Chorus Line" is based on those tales of woe by its original cast. And what is harder yet? To perform somebody else's dreams and make them your own as pitch perfectly as this cast has, is something to be humbly grateful for.

Charlotte d'Amboise as Cassie, the chorus girl turned leading lady, turned chorus girl is the complete package. Equal in every way with her charm, beauty, style, and grace to original Cassie, legendary Donna McKechnie; d'Amboise raises the stakes as she performs Music In the Mirror as if she were floating on a cloud. Pure Brilliance! Deidre Goodwin's Shelia is a force of nature like no other. Natalie Cortez brings a fire of passion to the role of Diana, a strong willed, strong natured, determined chorus member. Michael Berresee understands the inner workings of director Zach, and while Jason Tam might not be the best sung Paul that ever graced a stage, his monologue was executed with timed perfection.

But all of the above mentioned would not be nearly as good if it were not for this original productions fearless leader Michael Bennett. Bennett clearly understood the essential tie that binds all of these stories into one meaningful evening of theatre. Why else would this show have run as long as it did? Avian and Lee have taken the reigns here and push for and receive the energetic response that other productions of this beautiful show could only hope for. "A Chorus Line" clocks in at an intermission-less two hours and is able to clip along with without ever being dull at an astonishingly swift pace; makers of new musicals today show take note.

Avian, Lee, and this entire company should be lauded and commended for their work here and for helping the theatre community come together once more to remember that its all done for love. What an accomplishment to bring material from the 1970's and realize how fresh and alive it still is today without missing a single beat.

This may not be the only opportunity to see perfection on a Musical stage this season, but it is an opportunity not to be missed. As the chorus dancers in "A Chorus Line" also have the opportunity to do what they have always dreamed of; to get the job to dance; it is ultimately the audience who is rewarded. Everyone involved in this production has truly "come through," now all that is needed is an audience to show up - and they shall!

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 8:46am

Awesome review! I really wish I could see it.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 12:01pm

Nice review, though I disagree on your comments on Berresse, D'Amboise, and Goodwin.

It seems as if you are not thoroughly familiar with the work of the original cast - which is, obviously, great - and doesn't discount your opinions in the least - but to say that D'Amboise is equal in every way to McKechnie is an incredibly vast overstatement, in my opinion. I don't understand how anyone who had exposure to the original cast could sat that D'Amboise, Goodwin, and Berresse were wonderful.

Anyway, I'm glad you loved the show. It's truly fantastic.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 1:41pm

True, I did not see the original production live and in person, though I have seen it *wink, wink* with the original cast. And while that original cast was such a special and amazing group of talented individuals...I was in awe of CD as Cassie. Truly took my breath away. to me, her acting & singing were levels above DM (whom I do adore as well).

Everyone has their opinion on this one, but I just think its a fantastic thing that we have this show back on Broadway to be able to enjoy time and time again...and done, so, so well.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 1:49pm

Thank you for the review I enjoyed reading it.

[Mamie]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 3:23pm

This must have improved a LOT over the night I saw it (9/22). That night I would have said that d'Amboise was near perfection, with Beresse running a close second. Mara Davi and Jason Tam were also very impressive. I'm afraid that the rest was very disappointing. In fact, "local community theatre' kept running through my mind.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 9:34am

Well, I liked it a bit more than most critics, althought I find myself agreeing with John Simon (suprise of all surprises) and Joe Dziemianowicz (where did he come from?) at the Daily News.

"The musical doesn't pack the one-two wallop of innovation and discovery it once did. How could it? But for its 2 hours and 10 minutes, it is still addictively entertaining."

I think that says it all, right there. Although, for me...it was addictively inspiring as well.

[Luscious]

Posted: 10/7/06 at 2:30am

Missed one.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 10/7/06 at 3:18am

"Well, I liked it a bit more than most critics, althought I find myself agreeing with John Simon (suprise of all surprises) and Joe Dziemianowicz (where did he come from?) at the Daily News."

John Simon is an enigma these days. I've never heard of this guy from the NY Daily News either. Has he replaced Howard Kissel? Kissel was at the show last weekend, so I assumed he'd be reviewing it. Or has he gone the way of Ken Mandelbaum, choosing instead to channel his knowledge and experience into something less fleeting than a review?

[Luscious]

Posted: 10/7/06 at 8:39am

Howard Kissel is a tool.