Mirvish Productions – Michael Bennett’s A Chorus Line

by Paula Citron

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A Chorus Line (2006 Revival)
Mirvish Productions
Originally creative team included Michael Bennett (concept, choreography, direction), James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante (book), Marvin Hamlisch (music), Edward Kleban (lyrics) and Bob Avian (co-choreography)
Directed by Bob Avian
Starring Michael Gruber and Nikki Snelson
At the Canon Theatre until Nov. 30
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The 1975 musical A Chorus Line played on Broadway for 15 years. The 2006 revival has now come to town. The story itself is an audition where 17 hopefuls are tying out for eight chorus positions in a new show. Audiences will recognize the megahit songs “What I Did For Love” and “One.”

I was never totally enamoured of the original production, which I found contrived. While I still feel that Cassie’s dance number is the show’s weak point, I have come away more admiring of the structure and overall choreography. The touring talent is very energetic and eminently watchable, but Nikki Snelson’s Cassie doesn’t cut it. Emily Fletcher’s Sheila steals the spotlight.

At the film festival this year I saw the fabulous documentary Every Little Step, about the casting for this revival, and it was truly art mirroring life. Hoofers will always dream of getting to Broadway.

A Chorus Line continues at the Canon Theatre until November 30th.