Review Scene: A Chorus Line, National Theatre, St Kilda, 7th September 2024 by Karen Dean and Clinton Dean
Theatricals proudly presents a vibrant and dynamic production of the iconic 1975 Pulitzer Prize-winning musical ‘A Chorus Line’ by Marvin Hamlisch. Directed by Tahra Cannon, with Musical Direction by Gabriel Taburet, and Choreography by Louise Panagiotidis, this production brings to life the unforgettable, real stories of the performers chasing their dreams and ambitions, all competing for a limited number of roles on Broadway’s biggest stage.
This young cast brought enthusiasm, energy and passion to their roles, earning high praise for their commitment to the production. Julian Dods delivered a solid performance as Zach, demonstrating a commanding presence with his powerful voice and solid acting skills. Jerome Eccleston also showcased an energetic performance as Bobby, skillfully blending humor, dance and strong acting to great effect.
Nathan Fernandez’s portrayal of Paul emerged as he skillfully conveyed the character’s humanity in a pitch-perfect, deeply affecting performance. His sensitive monologue, capturing Paul’s journey of self-discovery, personal struggles, and experiences with abuse, resonated with the audience, creating a genuinely moving moment.
Madeline Pratt shone as Cassie, particularly in her solo performance, “The Music and the Mirror.” Pratt captured her fierce passion for dance and the highs and lows of a performer’s life in a fiercely competitive industry. Her presence on stage had the audience spellbound, earning her a richly deserved extended ovation.
Teresa Giansiracusa’s rendition of “What I Did for Love,” was another standout moment, perfectly encapsulating the passion and determination that drive those in the performing arts. Her performance left a lasting impression on the audience, becoming one of the highlights of the show.
Max Wood’s lighting design effectively set various moods, adding a dynamic and visually engaging dimension to the production. However, the sound design was less consistent, with several instances of audio dropping out, which caused unnecessary distractions.
Despite this, ‘A Chorus Line’ remains a true ensemble piece, and the final production number ‘One’ was a dazzling triumph for the entire cast, proving to be a singular sensation, indeed!
Reviewed by: Karen Dean and Clinton Dean
For more information, and to book tickets, visit: https://nationaltheatre.org.au/a-chorus-line/
