A Chorus Line – Pendleton College

Many choreographers have failed in their attempt to put dance into the feet of this reviewer. It makes it all the more interesting to see how it all works and admire the speed with which proper dancers understand the language and translate it into movement.  A skill I will never have, but this is the main premise of this 1975 musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban.

Of course, it is about much more than that and the show unfolds by telling the life stories of the auditionees.

But first, life must imitate art and the students of Pendleton College will also have auditioned like the characters they now portray. Director Ian Bennett has put together a largely talented cast. He has also changed some of the narrative and characters to suit his cast and the changes in time since the original. Mr Bennett has achieved this seamlessly.

The strength of this production lies in the ensemble pieces and the opening number “I hope I get it” soared and set an early marker. A couple of highlights quickly follow with Will Klieve as Mike performing his solo “I can do that” with great panache. Macy Williams, Maddie Whitworth and Melissa Dougherty combine to render a very touching “At the ballet”. Another solo highlight comes courtesy of Gracie O’Brien as Diana Morales recalling her troubled time at acting school with “Nothing”. Gracie also excels when she later leads the cast in a moving rendition of “What I did for love”.  Grace O’Brien is a name to watch out for.

It’s not all about singing though. There is a very moving monologue from Martin McDonough as Paul. A triple threat in action here. He sings, dances and acts all at the same time. When we find out what is behind the Cassie/Zack relationship there is a powerful but controlled confrontation between Isabel Horrocks and Cairan Lockwood.

If I have a negative to offer, it is that there were some flaws in the lighting plot with spots not picking out individuals on cue, some just too long blackouts. There were also some sound problems on Thursday night.

That said, there is so much good stuff to enjoy, they are minor niggles. The orchestra under the direction of Nathan Jarvis is marvelous and bring out every note and nuance of the score. But in a show about dance, the choreographer is key and Louise Pettitt has developed and drilled routines which are so polished they shine and her cast are en point perfect.

The talented cast who make up this production show a performing maturity well beyond their young years and they are a joy to watch. Of the cast members I have not mentioned individually, you should know you have all made a contribution to a splendid production.

A Chorus Line runs until Saturday 20^th A Chorus Line at Eccleston Theatre event tickets from TicketSource

Reviewer: Phil Edwards

Reviewed: 18^th May 2023

North West End UK Rating: