A Chorus Line: Finally a Revival Worth Reviving

The scent of cold evenings, the crisp of fallen leaves and the appearance of oversized pumpkins could only mean one thing; that the fall season is upon us. For most, it's the start of family friendly holiday get togethers, but for those with a taste for the finer things in life, it signifies the willingness to wipe the slate clean. A time to dismiss the plunder musicals of last year and prepare to embrace a sparkling and eager class of newcomers.

Last year's fall lineup was referred to as dismal and static. And quite possibly without the reigning champion, Jersey Boys, may have been a season completely forgotten. Yet the 2006 fall lineup didn't immediately seem overly inviting either. Shows such as Spring Awakening, Company and High fidelity have all failed to create hyped excitement, while two rivals are battling one another for all the Glory. Set the stage, as A Chorus Line and Les Miserables are back in town.

Les Miz may be home a bit too soon after its departure a short three years ago, but for many, A Chorus Line has been missing for far too long. The Marvin Hamlisch musical which returns after a 17 year hiatus, is back with a steaming command, and now has an entire generation of new theatre adorers eagerly awaiting to be apart of this revived masterpiece.

If there was ever a theme show for the aspiring actor or dancer this was the one. As the shows only plot is a line of dancers auditioning for a new show on Broadway. Through the inquisitive director, we take a look inside the minds and the souls of each aspiring wannabe. Yet Chorus Line politely offers all and sundry homage from the storm and a safe haven from their own fears.

A musical tells a story through song dance and dialogue. A splendid masterpiece uses the same three concepts to engage an audience. A masterpiece provokes every emotion within the human core. From laughter and tears to empathy and acceptance, the musical easily manages to capture the essence of the human soul and maliciously forces us to stand face to face with our own deepest flaws.

The intricate story telling and metaphorical symbolism that this revival sings (and speaks) are the secret ingredients to perfecting a story. Being capable of transporting an audience to a far away journey while telling an enchanting tale is the fundamental premise in which musical theatre was built upon. The musical theatre was built to house a show with the creativity and imagination that A Chorus Line still offers.

You can have an overly catchy score, complicated choreography, and a five star line up, but if you don't have a story worth telling, then it isn't a show worth seeing. Luckily, this show has it all.

What it doesn't have is an elaborate production value. It lacks the cannons of Lez Miz, but amazingly it doesn't need it. There's a deep appreciation for such simplicity that still renders a creative impact. An empty stage with a lineup of performers was all this show offered, and it was all the show needed to paint a blank canvas with a thousand philosophies.

Many of us know at least one song from the musical and most likely its "One." You know it, One Singular sensation la la la la la. Somewhere in your lifetime you surely must've heard that song. But the score offers many hits that stay in your head days after you have left the theatre formerly known as the Plymouth.

It's a difficult task attempting to render a decision on what aspect of the musical the vast majority will enjoy most. While many to pick from, its undoubted that one passionate and talented actress by the name of Natalie Cortez (Making her Broadway debut) may soon catapult herself to the top of your "My Favorite Theatre Actress List." Her stage presence was recognizable from the instant she danced her way onto the stage. Perfecting her role as if born for the part, the girl who would be known to most as Morales entrances thousand of glistening eyes with her tough girl attitude, sleek posture, adorable smile, oh and that power house yet gentle to the touch singing voice she owns.

The rest of the cast were fantastic but there's a painful admiration for the score and story that the core elements of the show are so tightly strung, that anyone could be playing the part, and it would be just as startling.

It's unproblematic to understand why Chorus Line is one the longest running musicals in Broadway history. It is what it is, and hopefully will stay that way for a long time to come.