Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Characters jazz up ‘Chorus Line’
Your name up in lights. Applause. Celebrity.
Dream on. There is more to it.
The biz side of showbiz throws cold water on the stars in the eyes of wannabes trying out for “A Chorus Line.”
That is what this blockbuster musical uses to shake up audiences. It is meant to tell it like it is, and Seattle Musical Theatre sees to it that it does.
Song, dance, music and monologues are the method. A good, clear focus is the means. The result is an uphill climb from apprehensions to disappointment and relief. And the effect is shock: Stepping into the spotlight is no game for the faint of heart.
Character is at the heart of this hard-hitting look at what it is like auditioning for a Broadway show. The orchestra directed and conducted by David Spring supports it. The directing and choreography by Crystal Dawn Munkers pace, enhance and help center it. And a standout cast of 27 act, sing and dance it.
Success at any cost registers with Sean P. O’Bannon as Zach, the up-and-coming audition director who is all showbiz, 24/7. O’Bannon manages a little humanity here and there but only enough to avoid the cliché.
At the other end of the spectrum, Giselle Lorenz Brock shines as Cassie, a talented solo dancer who has been to the top, dropped and is willing to settle for the chorus line if Zach takes her back. They have a history together.
In between is a wealth of stories from a variety of hopefuls, each buying into their own personal version of a Hollywood ending with a happily-ever-after.
I’ve seen other versions of “Chorus Line.” Marvin Hamlisch’s music and Edward Kleban’s lyrics never miss. A special something always works its way into the choreography.
There is nothing linear about this “Chorus Line.” SMT’s approach spotlights character development. I don’t recall ever involving myself so completely.
Reactions? Comments? Email Dale Burrows at grayghost7@comcast.net or entertainment@weeklyherald.com.
‘A Chorus Line’
WHEN: through March 4
WHERE: Seattle Musical Theatre, Magnuson Park Community Center Building, 7120 62nd Ave. NE, Seattle
TICKETS: $35-$40, available at 206-363-2809 or www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org
Dream on. There is more to it.
The biz side of showbiz throws cold water on the stars in the eyes of wannabes trying out for “A Chorus Line.”
That is what this blockbuster musical uses to shake up audiences. It is meant to tell it like it is, and Seattle Musical Theatre sees to it that it does.
Song, dance, music and monologues are the method. A good, clear focus is the means. The result is an uphill climb from apprehensions to disappointment and relief. And the effect is shock: Stepping into the spotlight is no game for the faint of heart.
Character is at the heart of this hard-hitting look at what it is like auditioning for a Broadway show. The orchestra directed and conducted by David Spring supports it. The directing and choreography by Crystal Dawn Munkers pace, enhance and help center it. And a standout cast of 27 act, sing and dance it.
Success at any cost registers with Sean P. O’Bannon as Zach, the up-and-coming audition director who is all showbiz, 24/7. O’Bannon manages a little humanity here and there but only enough to avoid the cliché.
At the other end of the spectrum, Giselle Lorenz Brock shines as Cassie, a talented solo dancer who has been to the top, dropped and is willing to settle for the chorus line if Zach takes her back. They have a history together.
In between is a wealth of stories from a variety of hopefuls, each buying into their own personal version of a Hollywood ending with a happily-ever-after.
I’ve seen other versions of “Chorus Line.” Marvin Hamlisch’s music and Edward Kleban’s lyrics never miss. A special something always works its way into the choreography.
There is nothing linear about this “Chorus Line.” SMT’s approach spotlights character development. I don’t recall ever involving myself so completely.
Reactions? Comments? Email Dale Burrows at grayghost7@comcast.net or entertainment@weeklyherald.com.
‘A Chorus Line’
WHEN: through March 4
WHERE: Seattle Musical Theatre, Magnuson Park Community Center Building, 7120 62nd Ave. NE, Seattle
TICKETS: $35-$40, available at 206-363-2809 or www.seattlemusicaltheatre.org