[rating=4] One Singular Sensation! This is a solid description of Drury Lane Theatre’s production of “A Chorus Line” that opened last night. The audience anticipated what was to be on their simple stage- a group of talented people bringing to life a story that is part of their own lives and existence. For those of you who are not in the know about this work of art conceived by Michael Bennet ( who also directed and choreographed the original), with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, it is the story of young dancers auditioning for a chorus role in a new Broadway musical. The play takes us deep into their very beings as we learn more about each one during the show.
The original concept was a no set, no intermission look into the most intimate thoughts. I was upset with the break and the intermission that Drury Lane added. I know they have a senior crowd as season ticket holders, but the break came at an awkward moment in the story as one of those auditioning is the former lover of the director. Zach (Ryan Watkinson). Cassie ( Sara Andreas is terrific) and it almost spoils her scene to take 20 minutes just to sell some extra drinks. For some people the mood that had been created by the amazing cast of players. 
Directed choreographed by Jane Lanier on a mirrored set by Andrew Boyce, we spend two plus hours watching this ensemble do their thing. They tell us stories of how and why they got to this place. The music by Marvin Hamlish and lyrics by Edward Kleban are powerful in that they complete what Bennett wanted to bring to the stage: the innermost thoughts and heart and soul of each of these people with the dream to be a dancer. Songs like”I Can Do That” ( Sam Linda is quite the dancer), “At The Ballet” ( one of my favorites) as told by three of the dancers, Bebe (TJ Tapp), Maggie (Alley Ellis, who has a powerful vocal range) and Sheila (the very sexy Alexandra Palkovic),”Nothing “, a study in acting by Diana (Yesy Garcia, who also took the lead in “What I Did For Love” which is a response to Zach’s question, “What happens when you can’t dance anymore?”.
There are many more featured numbers in the show including Sawyer Smit’s Bobby. Sawyer is known for long legs and dancing skills. Bobby is a funny role and it is great to see Smith spread wings and fly into comedy as well. Ritchie(Ivory Leonard IV) shines during” Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love” which is one of the many ensemble pieces allowing many of the characters little looks into their lives. Of course, one of the best known numbers from this show is “Dance:Ten;Looks Three” and ValCaleigh Pan-Kita) is perfect. Most people refer to this numbers as “T & A”.
While there are many numbers that are solo, the play is a pure ensemble production from start to finish and is beloved by audiences. In Fact last nights sold out audience started the cheering from the very onset, a sif they had been waiting to explode with the love that audiences have shown this play for decades.. The ensemble members that I have not mentioned are as follows: Jorge Guerra (Larry, who is Zach’s dance captain),martin Ortiz Tapia (Paul), Trey DeLuna ( Al),Melody Rowland (Judy), Devon Hayakawa (Connie), Oz Shoshan (Greg),Alex Benoit (Don),Terrel Armstrong (Frank)Ben Broughton (Roy), Bryanna Ciera Colon (Vickie), Abbey Friedman ( Lois),Christopher Kelley (Mark)Ashton Norris (Becky),Lesa Rivas (Tricia),Lance Spencer (Butch), Andrew Tufano (Tom) and Jordan Taylor(Kristine). By, I hope I got them all! While some of these folks are only onstage at the onset they are an important part of making this show work. They all want the job and as they say in the opening “Need this Job!”
This is a masterpiece of theater from a backstage angle and as I said several times I would love to see the powers at Drury lane go back to the original and cut out the intermission. The story works better as written. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
“A Chorus Line” will continue at Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook thru March 19th with performances as follows:
Wednesdays 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fridays 8 p.m.
Saturdays 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at 630-530-0111
Drury Lane Oakbrook is located at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace ( just north of the Oakbrook Center Mall.
Plenty of free parking as well as valet parking.
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “A Chorus Line”.
More Stories
“A Beautiful Noise : the Neil Diamond Musical”
“Annie”
“Every Brilliant Thing” reviewed by Julia W. Rath