A Chorus Line

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, ‘A Chorus Line’ is the ultimate ensemble production with 17 individual characters plus the ‘Director’ and ‘Choreographer’, who all have a key role in driving their intertwining stories that tell us what has brought them to this Broadway Rehearsal Studio. 

The Encore team certainly succeeded in this very difficult challenge and effortlessly communicated their characters complex mix of motivations and talents:
Self Assurance - Jorge Mercer in his excellent monologue that left the audience wanting to hear more; Humour - Jack Draper and Lydia Thacker’s excellent delivery in SING!; Desperation at a career gone south - Sian Scattergood’s understated delivery throughout coupled with inspired singing and movement in THE MUSIC AND THE MIRROR;  Hope, Joy and Frustration - Stephanie Ure, Chloe Hopcroft and Katy Freeman’s sensitive delivery throughout and AT THE BALLET in particular: Naked Ambition and Sacrifice - Aine O’Neil Mason and Alana Moran who both shone in their roles; and Tragedy – Andrew Bould who had many members of the audience in tears during his extended monologue in Act 2.  

Adam and all his actors (named and unnamed in this review) had obviously spent considerable effort and attention to detail in the development of their individual characters, and their relationships and interactions.  The mutual respect, team work, love and support they had for each other is a testament to his work in this production.
Sam’s sensitive orchestration (It’s great to hear a 9 piece Reeds and Horns section in full effect) and obvious vocal coaching of his actors in rehearsal was a great asset to the production and together with Dave Dallard’s sound design enhanced every musical number climaxing in WHAT I DID FOR LOVE and of course ONE.

Siobhan’s sensitive Choreography set the right note enabling her cast to enjoy themselves in every movement and dance break.  The enthusiasm of the cast may have overtaken their precision in ONE-REPRISE a little – but who cares…

The simple and effective set was excellent and the lighting, costumes and props all added to the overall visual effect. The audience (and I) really enjoyed the performance and I look forward to seeing you all again in the future.
 

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