Playhouse on Park, West Hartford, CT
through July 31
by Barbara
Stroup
Playhouse on Park proves something with the production of
every play, and “A Chorus Line” is no exception. The list of superlatives is
endless for this production and its cast, but the director’s and
choreographer’s abilities to make a condensed space (in Broadway terms) feel
vast must be the first one on the list. But wait, shouldn’t it be the energy,
or the movement, the singing by the youthful cast --- or perhaps the highest
accolade should go to the sincerity of each solo performance, or better yet, to
the tightness of the ensemble vocal and dance numbers?
 |
| Photo by Rich Wagner |
In its hands, this conception of “A Chorus Line” is no
repetition of something we all knew and loved 30 years ago. It is fresh, relevant,
and touching with a balance of pathos and comedy that still honors the original
creators. Running through this amazing production is the golden thread of
memory and time – memories that sear when past histories come forth, as well as
each dancer’s personal dedication and commitment to what the future holds for
choices already made.
One hesitates to highlight individual performances when a
group works this well together. In response to the persistent probing of the
“director” Zach, Alex Polsun as Mike sets a standard for all that follows in “I
Can Do That” – he lets the audience know that this company will not hold back.
Outstanding also is Bobbi Barricella in “What I Did For Love,” as well as Andee
Buccheri’s self-revealing “Dance: Ten Looks: Three.”
But back to where this review began – the use of space.
Where many musical theatre directors might see a problem, Sean Harris
capitalizes on the intimacy of the U-shape and stage-level seating. His staging
cannot help but draw every audience member into an unforgettable and peak experience.
