North Shore Music Theatre opens ‘A Chorus Line‘
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By David Le Bahn

North Shore Music Theatre of Beverly brings a tremendous amount of talent to all aspects of it’s currently running production of A Chorus Line.  Enough can not be said for the marked difference between this production and the NSMT that I was introduced to five years ago.  One must credit some of these newly received good vibes to Bill Hanney (Owner/Producer) and Evans Haile (Producing Artistic Director) who appear to be coming into their own at NSMT.

The original production of A Chorus Line opened on May 21, 1975, and continued to run until April 28, 1990, marking it as the longest running American musical to ever hit the boards on Broadway.  The show was designed as an expose of the trials and  tribulations of real dancers trying to make a living in the theater.  The original production, conceived, choreographed, and directed by Michael Bennett, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, deservedly walked off with the Pulitzer Prize, 9 Tony Awards, and the New York Drama Desk Award.

The show focuses on the auditions of 17 dancers as they compete for the same 8 spots in an unknown show’s chorus.  The differences and the likenesses of these characters is craftily told through monolog, song, and of course, dance.

The direction of Mark Martino is never oppressive or obvious allowing his triple threat actors to appear completely natural.  His choice to restage the original choreography and direction of Bennett was most assuredly the right one.  His choice to pass over an intermission helps to immerse the audience completely in the audition process they are witness to.  His casting choices worked well, proving that NSMT need not bring in guest celebrities to provide a quality production, even if it may seem the only way to sell tickets.

The classic score is well played by the NSMT orchestra led by Nick DeGregorio.  Christopher Chambers’ innovative light design and Richard Chambers’ set design are both simple and effective.  Jose Rivera has made costume choices that defined no specific time period allowing for the show to feel current instead of the typical 70’s homage one expects.

Mr. Hanney was quoted as calling this cast “dynamic.” I on the other hand may be quoted as calling this cast “divine.”  None of the dancers stand out from the others except for when intended, and in this show, that it is how it should be.  NSMT has assembled a very talented cast that could easily mount this production on Broadway.

Most effective are the silent reactions that the actors have created for the characters to share on stage. Where the show is definitely strongest when the cast is working together on numbers such as Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love some of the solo pieces such as Jonathon Day’s (Mike) whimsical I Can Do That, Julie Kotarides’ (Diana) heart-felt Nothing, and Rebecca Riker’s (Cassie) showcase number, The Music And The Mirror are pure gems.

When they are not singing and dancing the characters tell (or avoid telling) their individual life stories.  This is when the cast proves their mettle as triple threats.  We have heard them sing, we have seen them dance, and now they have to act.  An excellent dancer, Derek Hanson is the weakest here, offering a rather static performance as Zach, which is even more prevalent due to being paired with Rebecca Riker‘s powerhouse interpretation of Cassie.  The cast in general draw equal amounts of laughter and empathy from the audience.  Katie Cameron (Sheila), Bethany Moore (Judy), and Sean Quinn (Bobby) create brilliant comic moments when faced with both their fallibilities and their strengths.  Miguel Angel Falcon’s turn as Paul not only captivates the audience’s heart but owns it before the night is done.

All in all, a show that requires an ensemble has one in this cast, and NSMT should be as proud as the audience is happy with this class act.  A Chorus Line will continue running Tuesdays through Sundays at North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road in Beverly until November 21^st.  Tickets are available in person at NSMT, by calling the box office at (978) 232-7200, or visiting them on-line at WWW.NSMT.ORG.  Do not make the mistake of missing this singular sensation!