Presented by: Gilbert & Sullivan Society of South Australia
Reviewed: 25 May, 2023
As the seventh longest running Broadway show ever, A Chorus Line has an impressive history. Originally performed in 1975, the story created by James Kirkwood Jr and Nicholas Dante is focused on seventeen Broadway dancers auditioning for a coveted eight positions on a chorus line. The music is by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban.
This plot is not as simple as described as the audition process goes beyond just dancing. The selection process by director and choreographer Zach (David MacGillivray) requires each performer to reveal parts about themselves that are not immediately visible. Interestingly the stories told by each performer are based on real Broadway dancers’ stories heard by Michael Bennett, original director, and choreographer of the show. For this current Adelaide production, the talented Gordon Combes has directed, with Mark DeLaine as musical director, and choreography by Sarah Williams.
For the most part, Zach is just a voice giving instructions or asking questions of the dancers. MacGillivray’s voice projection gives a tone of both melancholy and empathy; as such it is perfect for having people disclose their stories. His assistant Larry (Bailey Edwards) is there on stage to direct the dancers, until Zach enters the stage in later scenes.
With a moderately demanding request by Zach, we hear the stories of dancers Cassie (Alana Shepherdson), Morales (Allycia Angeles), Judy (Maggie Cooper), Val (Laura Williams), Bebe (Chloe Fusco), Connie (Mimi Yoshii), Kristine (Jemma Allen), Maggie (Maya Miller), Sheila (Jenny Allard), Paul (Lachlan Stieger), Mike (Liam Phillips), Ritchie (Junxiang Huang), Gregory (Billy St John), Al (Ris Mosel), Bobby (Benjamin Johnson), Mark (Teagan Garvey), and Don (Anton Schrama).
A standout in this cast was debut (to adult theatre) performer Allycia Angeles. She absolutely shines as Diana Morales, with perfect accent, style, and charisma. Although all cast members are energetic, enjoyable and project well, her delivery was most persuasive.
For the most part, the costumes were suitable and ordinary, apt for the storyline. The skill of the costume team led by Anne Humphries is pronounced in the finale, as each dancer waves their goodbyes, and is tastefully attired in classic suits.
We also finally meet the orchestra properly in the finale, as we only have a sneak peak of them (they are behind the stage barrier) during the show. The music of the finale really summed up the energy of the entirety of the show, spirited and strong in delivery.
A Chorus Line is a timeless musical. Despite almost fifty years since its original conception, it possesses the ability to relate to current audiences with themes of love, regret, expectations, identity, and existence in an upbeat, energetic and heartfelt way. You will leave the theatre in gaiety as the Gilbert & Sullivan Society has once again served us well.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
Photo credit: Ahsan Qureshi – proshotsbyaq
Venue: Arts Theatre
Season: Thursday 25 May 2023 – Saturday 3 June 2023
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes plus intermission
Tickets: $23.00 – $42.00
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/986383?eid=986383&
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