REVIEW: A Chorus Line at Rotherham Civic

I LOVE musicals so it was with a sense of eager anticipation that I headed to the Civic on Tuesday for the first night of A Chorus Line.

And I was not disappointed.

RTSA, which includes young people between the ages of ten and 21, provide a great evening’s entertainment.

If a spectacular show with a wealth of impressive singing and dancing is your thing, then I suggest that you get your ticket without delay.

Conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line opened on Broadway nearly 45 years ago — but the story has not dated.

It examines one day in the lives of a group of dancers as they audition for a place in the chorus line of a Broadway musical.

After the initial round of cuts, director and choreographer Zach — more than ably played by Josh Roberts, who manages to keep up the American accent very impressively — asks each of the remaining 17 dancers to speak to the group about themselves.

This gives individual members of the cast the chance to shine, with their stories featuring both humour and pathos.

Each of the young cast gives a very good account of themselves and Chloe Jackson is outstanding in the role of Diana — her voice is strong and memorable.

And what seems extraordinary is that choreographer Dee Bennie-Marshall told me before the show that some of the cast members had not danced before — it is hugely to her credit that they come together so well as a group.

Dancing is a very important part of the show and Georgia Collins in the part of Cassie gives a very impressive performance, including a lengthy solo routine.

And the boys by no means take a back seat. Caleb Somerville, playing Paul, and youngster Dillon Batey, as Richie, come across confidently.

The whole cast give their all and put in performances ranging from the funny — some of the lines in Dance: Ten, Looks: Three, performed by Gracie Malloy as Val are very chuckle-inducing — to the downright moving.

There is a good tap routine and a fun-filled finale, with spectacular sparkly costumes.

The set with its huge mirror is effective and special mention must go to the orchestra, which plays energetically and enthusiastically throughout.

All in all, this is a hugely enjoyable show, with memorable songs and impressive singing and dancing — indeed it is, as the lyrics of its finale suggest “One singular sensation”.

A Chorus Line is at Rotherham Civic Theatre until Saturday.