BWW Review: Linehan and Ellis March in Step in Reagle Music Theatre's THE MUSIC MAN

Line up to see this 'Chorus Line' at The Rep



By Jeanné McCartin

March 07, 2013

"A Chorus Line" is back at the Rep and brings with it Bryan Knowlton, an actor who performed its Broadway revival and last performed in Portsmouth at Seacoast Repertory Theatre in a production of the same show. This time Knowlton directs this "singular sensation," to mighty fine effect.



"A Chorus Line" takes you into the world of the professional dancer; all the difficulty and pressures of the best of the best auditioning for too few slots in too few shows.

 

But it is a play, not a documentary. There's music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban and a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante through which we glimpse the lives of the 17 hopefuls; how and why they began to dance, what it means to pursue the profession — and why anyone would.



It all unfolds at the audition held by Zach the director, smartly performed by Craig Faulkner, who makes each in turn talk about their lives.



It's a smorgasbord of personalities, pompous, insecure, sassy, sexual, perky and heartbroken. The types are so authentic, and the social issues so unevolved that the piece remains current; its people, experiences and songs all hold up nearly four decades later.



This is a truly strong cast, but like any real-life audition they vary in degrees of skills, some stronger hoofers, others soaring vocalists or actors or as in the case of Michelle Aravena, as Cassie, a right smart mix of all.



Cassie is the trouper, the one who flirted with stardom, and is back looking for work in a line. Aravena who performed in the Broadway revival, plays her to perfection. She, like her character, stands out. Her dancing, (the single, lengthy solo), is a pleasure to behold, and the lady has pipes.



When she talks about her need for the job, the anxiety and passion is palpable.



Mary Page Nance as Sheila is another standout. Her overt sexuality is played believably. She too is a triple threat. The dancing and voice smart. But it's her deft handling of the character that makes her so powerful on stage, from the brash beginnings to the break.



Rep regular Christine Dulong, as Maggie, brings it all as well. She's a decent dancer, strong performer, and when it comes to vocals — well Dulong brings the house down with her part in "At the Ballet."



So many characters, so little space. Michael Phillips' Paul delivers a tender, touching performance as Paul, the gay Puerto Rican. Lenni Kmiec as Kristine and Michael D'Amico as her husband Al create a fun relationship — not to mention a hilarious, well-executed bit.



Yoav Levin as Mike is all entertainment — his dance lovely, and his character likeable and authentic.



James Lynch, as Bobby the sassy, dapper oddball is just that and very funny. Christina Carlucci brings serious spice to Val and a smart execution of "Ten: Looks Three." Corinne Tork's take on Diana is dead-on. Both Brian Swasey as Gregory and Erik Magnus as Larry do well by their characters, but it's their magnificent moves that make them most distinctive.



Kelsey Walston nails Bebe, and Emily Blake Anderson is perfect, ditzy Judy, both fine performances. Ditto to Alex Acevedo, as a sharp Richie, and Will Meredith as a hilarious, Mark.



Everyone is on their mark, even the early cuts, the dancers and the "not so much." Kudos to Janelle Abbot, Knate Higgins, Joshua Paul Moore, and Sarah Duclos.

Bryan Knowlton, both directed and choreographed, does a great job putting 17 dancers on the Rep's intimate stage and building interesting characters. He stages the show well on this small piece of real estate — itself a feat — keeps the pace moving, blocking sharp and the dance smart.



All the supporting art does just that, supports: Director/designers are Catherine York, music; Jason Courson, set; John Saunders, costumes; Brad Peterson, lighting and Rachel Neubauer, sound.



The show's big takeaway is its energy, thanks to a tight team on and off stage. "A Chorus Line" is worth stepping out for.