Review: A CHORUS LINE, Curve Theatre Leicester

Photo credit: Marc Brenner

The original production first appeared on Broadway in 1975, it was revolutionary… and this new creation certainly leaves its mark too!

Set in New York City, seventeen performers are auditioning on an empty Broadway stage.  Only eight will get through.  Zach, the Director, invites them to open up about their lives.  How did they get here?  Why choose to dance?  What does it really mean to follow your dreams?   What do you do when you can’t dance anymore?

Directed by Nikolai Foster, the whole cast is made up of outstanding talent and with a strong opening sequence, you can feel the adrenaline from the start. Adam Cooper plays Zach. His commanding presence is clear immediately and it’s apparent his character is a no-nonsense kind of guy, passionate and in control.

The Curve is a large stage to fill, its abundance filled successfully by Howard Hudson’s epic lighting design and Ellen Kane’s sharp, upbeat choreography. 

Carly Mercedes-Dyer shows strong acting talent as Cassie, the failed Hollywood star who just wants to be a part of something and is back auditioning for the chorus line. The audience become lost in her passion and sassy dance moves.  

Ainsley Hall Ricketts as Paul San Marco has us covered in goosebumps and full of tears as he tells his heartbreaking and emotive story of how he strives to discover “how to become a man”.

‘Dance: Ten; Looks: Three’ is belted out by the vocal talent of Chloe Saunders as Val Clarke.  A cheeky rendition of how shallow the performance industry can really be, especially in 1975. 

A specific mention needs to go to Lizzie-Rose Esin-Kelly in the role of Diana Morales.  Not only a brilliant performance of ‘Nothing’ but also a poignant delivery of ‘What I Did for Love’, with the rest of the company.  After the last eighteen months of an uncertain future for theatres and performance venues, there is a whole new meaning to the sentiment of this song, particularly in the lyrics, “We did what we had to do”.

A finale number with astounding costume design by Edd Lindley.

This production has one singular sensation after another!

Definitely not to be missed.

***** 5 stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

A Chorus Line plays at the Curve, Leicester until 31 December, with tickets available here.