Chorus Line

Not seen this show for a very long time as a difficult task to attempt successfully. But the Threshold group is definitely the theatre company for this show, and Playhouse the venue for it. Interesting that some of the dialogue in this 1975 show was surprisingly relevant to the present. An amazing and revealing evening.

The stripped out stage with just some mirrors the correct setting for the production, the music from MT Pit L.L.C. continuously worked well, costumes rehearsal gear into finale spectacular excellent visuals. And I asked myself as the evening progressed, was this really an amateur show with the amazingly high standard of dance?

Really each performer needs a special write-up as, not only did they dance to the heights, they revealed their characters and back stories, frequently emotional, and showed their acting and singing skills, but that is not possible for all. As Dance Captain Phillippa Nortcliffe had the team in control for the various tests and combinations as requested by Zach (James Bell). The initial line-up of contestants, having performed in their various techniques and groups, is reduced by half and then asked for background which reveals personalities and then asked to talk about themselves. They were all special but some captured the attention: Daniel Waite as Mike, Bobby from Jake Champion, Connie from Charley Nicol, Diana from Emma Venier, Judy from Sophie Chapman, Val from Emily Sidnell. And then the reveal from the oldest in auditions, Sheila from Holly Graham in her special acting skills and dance routine, and she won. Kathryn White as Cassie gave her all in the dancing, having been there before she wanted it all again, special. And that amazingly emotional monologue from Nic Gordon as Paul, very moving. But really all cast members need to be mentioned.

And to that blinding gold finale which included all the casting from first round failures to the successful team chosen, as they sang ‘One Singular Sensation’ and high-kicked in set perfection, this was the show for the successful Threshold team, brilliant.

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