Review 'A Class Act' at Toronto 's Civic Light Opera

The songs of Ed Kleban will startle you with their freshness, honesty and genuine heart. If his name doesn't exactly ring a bell, don't worry. Even among Broadway fans he remains something of an unknown. His story is told in the musical A Class Act, currently on stage at Fairview Library Theatre.

It's no rags-to-riches fairy-tale. Kleban is best remembered primarily as the lyricist for A Chorus Line. He was an obsessive perfectionist, wracked by phobias and this might explain why his career never took off. He passed away at age of 48, a victim of cancer brought on by a life of chain smoking. In many ways he was his own worst enemy, but when he sat down at the piano he had a gift of melody that was the envy of all his friends.

All of this - and a good deal more - is covered in A Class Act, a compelling musical presented by The Civic Light Opera Company that lives up to their usual high standards.

Joe Cascone takes on the role of Kleban, choosing to downplay though not ignore the more obnoxious side of his personality. He gets the plums of this score including "Paris Through the Window" and the incredibly moving "Self Portrait."

As Sophie, the woman who figures most prominently in the composer's life, Caroline Moro-Dalicandro creates a sympathetic portrait. Stephanie Douglas has a memorable moment in the first half as she seduces the very willing Ed, while JoAnne Kennedy creates a multi-layered portrayal of the songwriter's best pal, Lucy.

Julie Lennick as the sniping Felicia brings some tart-tongued humour to the show, with Susan Sanders offering solid support as the accompanist, Zoë.

Larry Gibbs has fun playing up Michael Bennett's impishness, bypassing the legendary choreographer's nasty side. David Haines does double duty portraying Marvin Hamlisch - the composer of A Chorus Line - as well as a fellow BMI workshop student and friend Bobby.

Eric Botosan creates a charming portrait of the legendary Broadway musical director, Lehman Engle. Engle also ran the BMI workshops and was Ed's long-time mentor.

Music director for this production is Paul Christman who leads a tight seven-member orchestra ensuring that the cast performs with confidence. The show to move along briskly, enhanced by Lesley Ansell's creative choreography.

The real pleasure here is the chance to get to know some of Kleban's catalogue. Some of the songs are familiar, such as "Better" and "What I did for Love" but you will be amazed and moved by his eloquent songs.

Near the end of A Class Act Ed realizes that the real pleasure in life comes not from the recognition, but from the work. The members of The Civic Light Opera Company are very obviously enjoying presenting this story and singing these sings, and that ultimately makes this show something special.

A Class Act plays at Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Drive, until June13. For tickets and performance schedule go to www.civiclightoperacompany.com or call (416) 755-1717.