REVIEW: A Chorus Line at Rotherham Civic

Is it a thumbs-up or down for the Rotherham Teachers' Student Academy's production of A Chorus Line?

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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