A Chorus Line

Well, anyone who knows me will know that you that I’m never lost for words. However, after watching RTSA’s latest production of A Chorus Line, I’m absolutely speechless.

This show can be reviewed in two words - simply stunning. 

The theatrical genius behind this show is director and choreographer, Dee Bennie- Marshall. From the script to the choreography Dee has created a show which should be seen for so much longer than a week. The dancing was exquisite and with such powerful acting, Dee had obviously worked this cast hard. The harmonies in this show were spot on, and full credit must go to the music man himself, Matthew Symonds.

A Chorus Line tells the story of one day in the life of 17 dancers who all auditioning for director and choreographer, Zach, to gain a place in  the chorus of broadways next biggest hit. Zach asks them all in turn to step forward and speak about themselves. Cue amazing singing, dancing and monologues. Whilst on the subject of monologues, Caleb Somerville simply excelled in this. This young man gave a powerful and emotional delivery  of one of the most difficult monologues in musical theatre. Caleb’s performance will stay with me for a very long time. Well done Caleb. An exceptional performance. 

Fresh from his appearance as Roger in Rent, Josh Roberts, took it up a level as Zach, the theatre director, who holds the show together. With a great American accent and strong acting, Josh has it all and I for one can’t wait to see what he does next. Zach does have a dance captain who helps him whilst teaching the dancing at the beginning of the show. Larry, is a supporting role in the production, however, I could have watched Jack Lockley portray this character all night. From great diction, to wonderful dancing, Jack is certainly on his way to the leading man roles. A perfect example of being on stage for 10minutes and owning it. 

Chloe Jackson, proved once again, why she is in such demand all over our region. Her performance as Diana was flawless.Diana sings two of the shows biggest hits and Chloe just didn’t perform these songs, she lived them. The song ‘What I Did For Love’ was breathtaking. The entire company joined Chloe for this song and the harmonies were tight and amongst the best I’ve ever heard. 

The performance of the evening for me however came from Georgia Collins as Cassie. Cassie is the ‘old has been’ who has history with Zach but is now starting back at the beginning. Georgia’s lengthy solo dance, is probably the best I have ever had the privilege to watch. You could tell it came straight from Georgia’s heart. 

With a talented supporting cast, great set, and a dazzling silver finale,(well done Kath Wall) this is one chorus line, I want to be apart off. 

 

 

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