This emotional, show stopping musical is a celebration of humanity and theatre which is currently captivating audiences at Leicester’s Curve.
A Chorus Line is an iconic musical first performed in 1975. It is set on a stage where a director/choreographer is auditioning performers to take part in his new musical. They are all brilliant dancers, something which is demonstrated during the first number ‘I Hope I Get it’ – a dynamic piece which showcases their skills.
However, things get really interesting when the director, Zach (played by Adam Cooper), instructs the 17 dancers to share something about themselves as part of the audition process – why they are there, and why they got into dance in the first place.
The first dancer to step forward is ‘Mike,’ played by the incredible Redmand Rance. He performed a dynamic number called ‘I Can Do That,’ which served up some of the best dancing I have ever seen on stage. I was mesmerised as he told his story through song – leaping, spinning and strutting his way through the energetic number with ease.
Another personal highlight was ‘At the Ballet’ – an emotional ballad which was performed by three of the female chorus members, namely ‘Maggie’, ‘Bebe’ and ‘Sheila’.
The recall their love of the ballet and memories of being a part of it as younger women – the warm, positive feelings it gave them amidst the chaos of ordinary life.
This trio (Kate Parr, Amy Thornton and Katrina Dix) are a real tour de force as they join together to serve up pitch perfect vocals and spine-tingling harmonies – a real treat for the ears.
Emotions run high throughout the show, as other stories touch on subjects such as homophobia, body dysmorphia and sexual abuse.
Throughout much of the production, the staging and effects are minimal, and yet I couldn’t take my eyes off what what happening on stage. The characters and their stories draw you in, captivate and hold your attention. It’s an emotional roller coaster of excitement and heartfelt struggles which we can all relate to.
Everyone has a story, no matter how sparky and smiley they may appear on the outside. This musical really digs into that, gripping you from the outset and pulling you in by the heart strings.
The direction by Nikolai Foster is excellent and some of the visual ideas are inspired. I particularly enjoyed the clever camera led idea, which saw auditionees filmed up close and projected onto a screen at the back of the stage as they tell their stories.
This has the effect of making them seem vulnerable and exposed as they are asked to bare their souls for the process.
The show is raw and stripped right back up until the final number, ‘One,’ which is a spectacular feast for the eyes. The dancers shine in gold top hats and tails and the lighting illuminates them in exquisite splendour. Glitter cannons are fired and firework fountains flood the stage for the explosive finale. This is in direct contrast to previous scenes, making it even more impactful and highlighting the difference between the dancer’s on and off stage personas.
An thoroughly entertaining, and thought provoking musical with a lot of spirit, heart, humanity and humour.
A Chorus Line is running at Curve until July 13.
Visit https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/a-chorus-line/ to book tickets.
