It is, as the song goes, "one singular senation," and in a sparkling, gorgeous production, "A Chorus Line" opened at the Fox on Tuesday (May 12), to run through May 24. The tribute to the "gypsies," as dancers for Broadway shows are nicknamed, is a glorious piece of work that remains vibrant and youthful even after 34 years of filling stages with golden boys and girls, glittering in a mirror, dancing spectacularly.
Michael Bennett’s creation, which began when he organized a group of New York-based dancers to sit around and tell stories of their adventures, still has the tension of a reality show, brought forth in a believable book by Nicholas Dante and James Kirkwood, a polished score by Marvin Hamlisch and intelligent, rocking lyrics by Edward Kleban. Bennett was the choreographer and director. Set, costumes and lights still follow the original designs by Robin Wagner, Theoni V. Aldredge and Tharon Musser, respectively, though Natasha Katz had made some lighting adaptation, probably to cope with computer techniques that have advanced through the years. A couple of light cues were late on opening night, but that’s a minor problem that should be easily solved.
There have been some changes through the years. Bob Avian, Bennett’s co-choreographer in 1975, directs the current production, with choreography restaged by Baayork Lee, a member of the original cast. A few scenes are tighter and shorter than they once were, a couple of dances seem more complex.
And there still are memorable moments for singers, dancers and actors. Rebecca Riker has two brilliant solos in "Nothing," a searingly tragic tale of unrecognized talent, and the glorious anthem,"What I Did For Love." Robyn Hurder is a first-rate Cassie, with "The Music and the Mirror" both sung and danced as a tribute to dancers. Bryan Knowlton is heart-rending as Paul, telling his story about being a "pony" in a dance show and Anthony Wayne is a delight as Richie, the basketball player from Herculaneum. Jessica Latshaw and Colt Prattes are splendid as Al and Kristine, a husband-wife team who fill in one another’s lines as she admits she never could sing. Kevin Neil McCready adds a just-right note as Zach, who is running the audition even as his personal feelings threaten to cloud his professional judgment.
Stephanie Martignetti has the show-stopper, and sparkles, as Val, who discovers that a little surgery in the right places can enhance a career – and a life.
"A Chorus Line," as fine a musical as ever has decorated a stage – in town, at the Fox, through May 24.
-Joe