A Chorus Line has been a staple of the theater community since it’s Broadway premier in 1975. The production centers on seventeen aspiring and veteran dancers competing for one of eight spots in the chorus line of a Broadway show.
Featuring music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante, A Chorus Line is now playing at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.
The Metropolis production of A Chorus Line totally captivates the audience with the emotionally charged desires of each performer battling for a spot on the line, as well digging into the psyches of each dancer – their demons, their aspirations, and their humanity.
Of the seventeen dancers vying for a job, there is not a weak link in the bunch. All are breathtakingly good singers, dancers, and actors.
Daniel Hurst, as Mike, stands out in his number “I Can Do That” early in the show in which he tells how he became a dancer thanks to his sister not wanting to go to her dance classes, so he went in her place. Hurst is one of the strongest dancers on the line.
“At the Ballet” is the most impressive number vocally, thanks to the talents of Kara Schoenhofer as Sheila, Sara Haverty as Bebe, and Laura Sportiello as Maggie. The emotional song tells of unhappy childhoods leading to dance as an outlet.
Also standing out in the show is the song “Nothing,” sung brilliantly by Jessica Miret as Diana Morales. In the song, the character reflects on a bully of an acting teacher in her youth.
A Chorus Line is not without its comedic moments. Mollyanne Nunn, as Val, has the audience in stitches with her number “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” in which she touts the benefits of plastic surgery. To her credit Nunn uses posture and body language throughout the show to reinforce her character – even when she’s not talking.
While the Metropolis production of A Chorus Line features stellar songs and amazing dances thanks to music director Kenneth McMullen and choreographer Christie Kerr; director Robin M. Hughes ensures that the monologues by each performer are equally compelling. We truly get to know each character.
Luke Halpern in the role of Paul masterfully captivates the audience with his dialog about sexual abuse he faced as a child, and the tragic way his parents found out he was gay.
Keeping the show moving is the job of Zach, the director that the characters are trying to impress to land a role on Broadway. Zach is well played by Brian Kulaga.
Also deserving mention is Casiena Raether as Cassie – a one-time rising star now so in need of a job, she is willing to accept a role in the chorus. Of course the question is, can Cassie tone down heir flair and be a member of a balanced line?
Rounding out the incredibly talented ensemble are Jordan Beyeler (Kristine), Chi-Jou Cheng (Connie), Lars Ebsworth (Butch), Sabrina Edwards (Judy), Madelyne Forrester (Tricia), Hannah Griffith (Vicki), Dan Hamman (Al), Joseph Kuchey (Greg), Ivory Leonard IV (Richie), Ben F. Locke (Mark), Connor McGarry (Tom), Joshua A. Peterson (Frank), Nick Schrier (Larry), Lance Spencer (Bobby), Thomas E. Squires (Roy), Kaleb Van Rijswijck (Don), and Amanda Zgonina (Lois).
Metropolis is committed to bringing first class entertainment to the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Located in the heart of Arlington Heights at 111 West Campbell Street, Metropolis is conveniently reached by car or Metra. There is free on-street and garage parking.
A Chorus Line plays Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday, and Sundays through November 3. Evening performances are Thursday – Saturday at 7:30 PM, matinees are Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 PM.
For tickets contact the Metropolis Box Office at (847) 577-2121 or visit www.MetropoisArts.com.
Peace. Love. Trust.