Theater review: A Chorus Line

                                          Cast of "A Chorus Line"

There are musicals, and there are juggernauts that audiences never tire of seeing. One of the best in the latter category – “A Chorus Line” – is playing through Sept. 4 at Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre.

You know the story: A group of tirelessly hopeful wannabe Broadway hoofers show up for auditions again, this time with director Zach (Tyler Matthew Burk) and his assistant Larry (Samuel Shea). They will alternately beg, wish and hope to “get this job” in the chorus. 

The Pulitzer Prize-winning show won nine Tonys and holds the record as the sixth longest-running Broadway show ever.

There are reasons for that. One is that the script came out of a tape that the show’s original director made with all those hopeful dancers. He asked them all why they dance and what their story is, and put the answers on tape. Those tapes (which still exist) give these dancers a human dimension that draws viewers in.

Another is the choreography. This show is directed and choreographed by Hector Guerrero, using the original dances by Michael Bennett and Bob Avian. The footwork here is wondrous fun to watch – tricky, often amusing and just plain impressive.

But it’s the dancers you’ll remember. Some of my favorites are Sheila (Natalie Nucci), a sassy aging dancer who started dancing to escape from home; Paul (Steven Rubalcaba), a young Puerto Rican trying to pass as Italian; Val (Holly Echsner), who doesn’t get jobs until she gets a boob job; Mike (Jeffrey Scott Parsons), who got into dancing via his sisters. He saw them and said “I can do that”; and giggly Kristine (Danielle Airey), who admits that “I can’t sing,” but comes along with husband and dancer Al (Drew Bradford).

And of course there’s Cassie (Jennifer Knox), Zach’s ex, whose mere appearance there creates problems and distraction for Zach.

Getting those steps just right and being in the right place at the right time is a tough job, but this show offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of what these dancers “did for love.”

The enormous cast of 26 is uniformly excellent, as is the 16-member orchestra, wonderfully directed by Dr. Randi Rudolph. The tech (especially in Cassie’s “The Music and the Mirror” number) is also impressive.

The rented costumes (from JMW Costume Designs) and sets (from Gateway Set Rentals) add to the atmosphere as well.

If you’re looking for a pleasant evening’s outdoor entertainment, “A Chorus Line” is an excellent choice.

“A Chorus Line” runs through September 4, 2021. 

Performances: August 18-29, Wednesday thru Sunday

            Sept. 1-4, Wednesday thru  Saturday

Tickets are available at www.moonlightstage.com