In 1975, choreographer Michael Bennett turned taped interviews with Broadway dancers into a pioneering musical by giving a voice to those historically-unsung background performers. Having enjoyed a return to Curve, Leicester, A Chorus Line begins its summer tour at The Lowry.
As part of the final audition stage for an upcoming production’s ensemble, seventeen hopefuls pitch themselves- and their talent- to director Zach (Adam Cooper) whose final casting decisions will cut their number down to eight. The pieces runs without an interval to mimic the real-time duration of the audition.
Collective ambition is energetically established thorough the opening song I Hope I Get It. Sitting through every auditionee’s introduction (name, age, a bit about themselves) after this may border on tedium until reminding oneself that A Chorus Line’s raison d’etre is to detach them from the group and learn about each as an individual.
Lively numbers reveal the dancers’ personalities and circumstances, from the amusing limitations of Kristine’s (Katie Lee) vocal abilities in Sing! to Val (Chloe Saunders) expressing the need to modify her physical appearance in Dance: Ten; Looks: Three.
Most descend into ‘First World problems’ territory, though Manuel Pacific’s sensitive portrayal of the reticent Paul provides an affecting sequence in which he reveals his difficult past.
There are moments of triumph in abundance throughout Ellen Kane’s effervescent choreography of flips and kicks. However, the omissions of tap shoes did limit the sequences seen in Tap Dance.
Grace Smart’s extensive set gives the enveloping impression of an empty Broadway stage. The spacious centre isn’t encroached on other than necessary pieces of theatrical equipment, and dance studio mirrors at the back reflect the characters fivefold: a reminder that they are much more than one-dimensional.
Zach’s assistant Larry (Ashley-Jordon Packer) wields a video camera linked to a large screen towards the side of the stage. Providing close-ups of the dancers in this way allows the audience to take in their emotions and expressions that would otherwise disappear into the background.
A shimmering, sparkling delight: A Chorus Line makes the cut.
A Chorus Line continues at The Lowry in Salford until 27th July with tickets available from https://thelowry.com/whats-on/a-chorus-line/
Reviewer: Scot Cunningham
Reviewed: 23rd July 2024
North West End UK Rating: