Uniquely Astounding Chorus Line Tour Returns to LA

A Chorus Line/directed by Bob Avian/Pantages Theatre/through June 13 

When A Chorus Line premiered at Joe Papp's Public Theater in 1975, its bold form changed the face of the American musical. I wonder if James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante (book), Ed Kleban (lyrics) and Marvin Hamlisch (music) really knew the impact that their soon-to-be Pulitzer Prize winning drama would hold for future generations as it moved from Joe Papp's Public Theater to Broadway? It promised to be be a singularly sensational success all over the globe for decades. And - in 2010 - it still remains one of the most thrilling musicals ever.

 

 

(Selina Verastigui as Morales prays not to feel "Nothing")

This current touring cast and creative team of Chorus Line is every bit as electrifying as the 1975 original, which I saw 3 times. Comparisons would be unfair, so I will not make any. Suffice to say, each and every player has his or her moment in the spotlight and makes it full and unforgettable. Andy Mills is Mike, so cool and acrobatic with "I Can Do That"; Derek Hanson is Zach: strong, opinionated and unflinching - well, almost, except where Cassie is concerned. Rebecca Riker, the youngest looking Cassie I have ever seen, makes her beautifully grounded and totally honest about her career expectations. Other notables include Kristen Martin as Val, the 'tits and ass' girl, a very touching performance from Nicky Venditti as Paul, so humiliated with facing his parents as a gay man, Selina Verastigui as Diana who consistently felt "Nothing", and Ashley Yeater, a very memorable Sheila, the gal who came on strong and refused to let her age stand in the way. Yeater is tall and statuesque like Julie Newmar, and it is difficult to keep one's eyes off her. Under Bob Avian's clockwork-like direction (he was co-choreographer of the original) and with Baayork Lee's mesmerizing choreography (she was Connie in the original), the show just rocks.

Its dramatic highs and lows are many. In fact, in '75, some critics were bewildered at classifying it a musical at all. The play is the grueling dance audition, with its 'kitchen-sink' realism and is laden with a mesh of contradictory feelings. Acceptance vs. rejection; love vs. hate; joy vs. fear. Fear of not being perfect; even worse, the fear of losing. Perseverance is a tough game. We can all relate. As original director Michael Bennett once said, "This show is dedicated to anyone who has ever danced in a chorus or marched in step...anywhere." Still brilliant and heart-pounding after all these years!

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