A Chorus Line Review (Curve Theatre, Leicester, AD - PR Invite)

8 July 2024 I 19:00 I Curve Theatre, Leicester I AD - PR Invite

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Having little prior knowledge ahead of A Chorus Line, I had very minimal expectations beyond a jazz hands, toe tapping spectacular. And while these certainly exist within Nikolai Foster's vision, the profound realism and attention to life beyond the stage is what strikes audiences the most. Indeed you will laugh and lose yourself in many impressive sequences, though a well established, confident and trusting ensemble demonstrates not just actors, but a community. Not a single role is left behind, trailblazing the importance of a chorus and letting every voice be heard.

A Chorus Line takes audience inside a Broadway audition room, filled with 17 performers all discovering what it means to shine despite gritty and exhaustive backgrounds. Originally conceived by Michael Bennett, the story remarkably uses the real stories from theatre's unsung heroes, championing these life testimonies into pride. The musicality of the score is led with vigorous drive by Musical Director Matthew Spalding, audibly a dream! Never mind the Broadway stage, the audition room is where it's at!

The atmosphere of auditioning is imposing, where every visual cue helps to signify this. Grace Smart's set is masterfully considered, stripping the Curve Theatre to expose backstage areas, thus widening an empty stage. The colossal scale of the space immediately allows the actors to appear minute and insignificant, fighting to be noticed. Equally, Ashley-Jordan Packer's live video control as Larry amplifies the essence of interrogation, huge portraits susceptible to the judgements of the director and audience alike. I commend the movement of Howard Hudson's lighting, with riggings entering the space in claustrophobic tensions, unforgiving technicalities to mirror the cruelty of the industry.

Regarded as a dance-musical giant, Ellen Kane's choreography is monumental, bounding onto the stage with endless force. The rush of the feet hitting the floor, flowing seamlessly in totally exhilarating showstoppers! So many dance styles inspire this musical, a highlight being Mireia Mambo's (Richie) disco led routine. A series of montages give every single actor the opportunity to take the spotlight and rightfully shine, which is incredibly engaging and admirable. I could write a paragraph for every individual on this stage if I had the time!

Whole ensemble movement is so easy to lose yourself in, and I find myself particularly impressed by Redmand Rance's (Mike Costa) solo routine to open introductions to the roles. The confidence to be so exposed yet assured so early on is remarkable, a compelling young star that I would love to see in many future shows!

Carly Mercedes Dyer (Cassie) and Jocasta Almgill (Diana) deliver the charming, honest qualities to A Chorus Line, the pair stunning through songs including The Music And The Mirror and What I Did For Love. Emotionally strong female leads, with dominating vocal quality to hold the audience mesmerised. The ultimate triple threats, as are the entire cast, to drive such humanity through song. We are reminded that beyond the performer, a life goes on. It encourages me to consider the parallels between this metaphorical stage world and our own.

Perhaps easier to overlook, Adam Cooper's Zach provides an essential balance through a stern directorial role, bringing dreams back down to a hard reality. The Dante and Kirkwood book is investing, notably acted with emotional integrity from Manuel Pacific as Paul. An impassioned monologue dissolves the pacing, but alike Cooper, holds immense importance in the social messages of acceptance through topics including sexuality, race and body insecurities. Extremely well delivered from Pacific to showcase fragility as a man, and we feel every bit of empathy.

Foster ignites passion through a modern, unforgiving realism, but there maintains a respect to the 1970s classic envisioning, a fusion of eras in a timeless theatrical triumph! Every single element of this production dances, a revolutionary feat! I do not say this lightly, but this Made At Curve adaptation of A Chorus Line is my favourite musical adaptation that I have EVER seen in my life!!!

*A huge thank you for the Curve Theatre's press team for inviting me along tonight! For more information about the cast, creatives, images and where to book your tickets, please follow this link: https://www.achoruslinetour.com/