This dazzling production was last at Curve during Christmas 2021, and if you didn’t get to see it then, make sure you don’t miss it this time around.
With much of the original cast, this show just sparkles. The hopefuls are taken through their paces at an audition whilst the audience watches on. From the opening number “I Hope I Get It” right through to the spectacular “One” it really is an absolute masterpiece.
The show is set in 1975 in New York City. It’s an ensemble show, with 17 hopefuls, auditioning for an opportunity to be a part of the chorus line but only 8 places are available. Not only is this show bursting with talent, but each one of the dancer/actors has their own story to tell.
The show’s original creator, Michael Bennet, used real life stories from people with those lived experiences way back in 1974, creating one of the first ‘reality shows’ of its time.
Every one of the auditionees gets the opportunity to tell all, as Zach questions each one of them. The dancer/actors each pitch their own story to perfection, but my personal favourite was Redmand Rance, who played Mike Costa, and his version of ‘I Can Do That’, which he performs after the producer Zach, played by Adam Cooper, asks him how he got into dance. He tells the story of watching his sister dance at class and being inspired to tread the boards himself.
The audience finds out Cassie, played by Carly Mercedes Dyer, and Zach used to date and Zach is finding it hard coming to terms with Cassie auditioning for a role that he feels is beneath her. Cassie’s vocal range is just incredible. Her version of The Music and the Mirror is flawless.
Jocasta Almgill plays a really strong character in Diana, her version of ‘Nothing’ is wonderful and ‘What I Did For Love’ with Diana leading the company is just exceptional.
Kristine, played by Katie Lee, really knows how to entertain the audience. Her performance of ‘Sing’ is absolutely delightful. Chloe Saunders is back as Val, and just as entertaining. Her version of Dance: Ten; Looks: Three is brilliant.
The scenery is sparse as you’d expect when Zach is taking the auditionees through their paces, reflecting the brutality of the audition process. When each auditionee talks about their lived experience, the lighting is cleverly set to reflect their mood. When it comes to the final number, though, that all changes. The lighting for those final scenes just dazzles for one singular, spectacular, sublime sensation.
You really have to see it to believe it.
★★★★★
A Chorus Line is at Curve until Saturday, July 13. Tickets £10-£45.
Accessible performances
Captioned: Wednesday, July 10, 2.15pm and 7.30pm
Audio Described: Thursday July 11, 7.30pm with Touch Tour from 6pm
Relaxed Performance: Relaxed: Saturday July 13, 2.15pm
