Sep 114 min read

A Chorus Line - The National Theatre, Naarm (VIC)

Music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante

With jaw-droppingly refined choreography, and a cast full of talented triple-threats, this dazzling production will leave you wondering “how do they do it?!”

Reviewed by Paige Quinn

Presented by Theatrical.

The National Theatre, St Kilda

Until September 22, 2024

Tickets: A Chorus Line - Theatrical.

On a cold and windy Sunday afternoon Theatrical. took to the stage at The National Theatre for A Chorus Line. Set in the 1970s, A Chorus Line follows a group of young talents as they tackle the reality of show-business, in an important audition to be chosen for the chorus ensemble of an upcoming musical.

Choreographer, Louise Panagiotidis, constructs intricate and high energy dance numbers, that are a standout of the production. Tight, refined and expressive; the performers make the demanding choreography look effortless. The set is quite minimal, consisting of three movable mirrors upstage in an otherwise empty studio. In combination with the moving chaos of the bodies on stage, the simplistic set successfully ensures we’re not distracted from the auditionees.

ACT I follows the ensemble auditioning process; the repetitive rounds of culling and selecting performers for the upcoming show. In introducing the characters, each auditionee performs their own life story vignette. The opening act did not give much in terms of excitement. It became quite repetitive, although that may have been the point, there was nothing much to keep the audience’s interest at a high level, until all the characters had finished performing their individual life stories. There were some issues with diction and clarity, which meant the audience was missing crucial lines. At first, I thought it was just my mother’s age catching up to her, but I heard the people behind me quietly asked each other “what did she just say?” confirming my criticism.

Photos by Nicole Cleary

A Chorus Line is primarily a dance heavy work, so I was pleasantly surprised by the singing talents of the main chorus members. Madeline Pratt, portraying Cassie, leading lady turned chorus member and ex-partner of the Director, is a brilliant standout of the cast. She performs her solo number ‘The Music and the Mirror’ with explosive passion, bringing beautiful emotional turbulence to the show. Pratt’s powerful vocal talent and the seamless way she moves around the stage with contrasting moments of seduction and grace make her a truly unforgettable performer.

Another standout is Nathan Fernandez in the reserved but layered role of Paul. In a sombre and emotional moment during Act II, Paul finally finds the courage to speak about his experience growing up a gay man during the 50’s and 60’s. Fernandez delivers this monologue with perfect pacing, as the audience witness the inner turmoil of the character being expressed through his battling emotions of fear and anger. Fernandez brings such incredible authenticity to the show and like Pratt, gives an equally unforgettable performance.

I do want to acknowledge all the actors on stage. Every performer presents a well-developed and clearly realised character, including the ensemble who are cut after the first number. The small interactions between each character and their reactions to the world around them is engaging and a highlight to watch. If I could talk about each of them individually, I would, but that would be a very long review. Tahra Cannon’s direction is on the whole, fully realised and well-rehearsed.

Although the narrative begins as a bit of a slow burn, by the end of act one, the audience are glued to their seats, and their eyes glued in amazement to the intensity and rigour of the performers’ wondrous fitness. Theatrical.’s A Chorus Line provides a surprisingly emotionally moving night out, as the cast give space, life and freedom to each of their characters in an otherwise stressful and intense audition context. With jaw-droppingly refined choreography, and a cast full of talented triple-threats, this show is likely to have you walking out of the theatre asking yourself “how do they do it?!”.

I would recommend anyone to see Theatrical.’s A Chorus Line; seasoned music theatre lovers, and newbies alike. It was one of the best musicals I have seen in years and even my musical-theatre-hating mother absolutely loved it!