A Chorus Line follows seventeen desperate auditionees as they dance battle it out for a shot at taking one of eight slots available in a new Broadway musical.
Giving the audience a glimpse into the lives of these performers and their choreographer, a stripped theatre set pulls all focus onto its phenomenal cast as each member showcases their passion with insight into how dance shaped their lives. Using real-life testimonials from professional dancers, the show gives each starving artist their moment in the spotlight and bridges a connection between the competitors. Through its use of relentless, unifying choreography and uniquely aspiring performances, A Chorus Line lays out the personal sacrifices that make your favourite live productions possible.
Elevating the unnamed, everyday dreamers who keep the industry afloat, Nikolai Foster’s charmingly simplistic direction wraps around the intense and exposing audition process that offers no intermission to the Lowry audience. Under the watchful eye of their omnipotent choreographer Zack (Adam Cooper), the slick production lures you in with stunning ensemble numbers. Including the artfully synchronised One and the beautifully rendered opening number, I Hope You Get It, which showcases the power of the ensemble cast. Ellen Kane’s choreography leaves no room for error and expands the stark mirrored stage by capturing the raw emotion and originality of the immense chorus.
A Chorus Line was an instant classic when it first premiered in 1975 and remains beloved almost five decades later due to its emotive monologues, stellar choreography and enduring score. The Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning story sweeps its audience into the fantasy and drama of its characters as you sit and connect with the lives and dreams of the talented auditionees. Manuel Pacific’s (Paul) revealing monologue is a powerhouse performance placed alongside countless standout moments. As A Chorus Line’s ability to showcase gay, straight, old, young, Black and Latino stories within its characters ensures the show feels universal. The magnificent casts desperate, unyielding love for their craft is tangible and the sheer number of dancers keeps the pace of the show spinning.
Jocasta Almgill and the ensembles radiant rendition of What I Did for Love is touching and poignant, allowing the dancers to truly shine in the emotional piece. Cassie’s (Carly Mercedes Dyer) solo, The Music and the Mirror echoes the universal themes of ambition and sacrifice that the show intensely hits on, and the up-tempo finale is a classic you wish you could watch on repeat. Performing alongside live musicians, Marvin Hamlisch score and Edward Kleban’s lyrics remain timeless and blends the humour, heartache and passion of its well-rehearsed hopefuls.
Putting fame and fortune aside, A Chorus Line is a truly innovative production and an exhilarating tribute to the unsung heroes who make theatre possible. It is a must-see for lovers of art and a reminder of how fortunate we are that Manchester is a hub for live theatre.
Tickets are available via the Lowry link