Signature Theatre: A Chorus Line

The first time I saw this was its original Broadway Tour in 1978 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit.  It drove a spike in my closeted gay heart.  I've never forgotten it.

This is only the second time seeing it.  And I knew that some of the lines were different, extended or just changed.  Which isn't a bad thing.  It's still a powerful musical.  One of the differences is a clear juxtaposition between the aching desire of the dancers to be chosen and the harsh reality that they are the Broadway equivalent of chattel.

The dancing is front and center and it is stunning.  The choreography a nice mix between the classic number and bright new moves.  In particular the solo danced by Cassie (Emily Tyra) was sharp and emotionally tight.  I remember thinking, of the original version back in 1978--how frantic and pirouette-filled that number was.  Across the line, the cast was strong and compelling.  It would honestly be difficult to imagine a more daunting show to be a part of, given the iconic status of the original actors/dancers.  A few managed to stand out.  Samantha Marisol Gershman (Diana: "Nothing" & "What I Did for Love") was the earnest non-method actor who stopped the show with her rendition of "What I Did for Love."  Maria Rizzo as (Sheila "At the Ballet") the long in tooth--30-ish--sardonic and jilted, but still fighting to dance, to be in the game.  Usually, Maria gets and excels in roles that are over-the-top sort of character/side kick parts.  This was refreshing and she played it with grit and tenderness in turn.  Wonderful.  The key to the production is Zach, a role that was barely present in the original touring company production, but is present on the stage or in the theater throughout this staging.  Signature turned to Broadway veteran, Matthew Risch, to make this version shine, and he certainly did.  As an overall observation, I don't think I've ever attended a musical in the DMV with a cast as deep in Broadway/National Touring Company experiences; 12 of the 26.

The set was a box of light that transformed to great effect as the music and moods changed.  The costumes were fine, and for the iconic finale, the cast reemerged in sequin-festooned tuxes of silver instead of gold.  Amazing production, the very sort I've come to expect from Signature Theatre.

This is NOT CGI!