A Chorus Line

A Chorus Line presented by Theatrical delivered a captivating performance that showcased the talent and dedication of the cast and crew. While the production had its moments, the overall experience was enjoyable and left a lasting impression. 

Standout Performances included Madeline Pratt, whose performance as Cassie was a highlight, delivering a powerful and emotional performance in "Music in the Mirror".  Caitlyn Serong was equally impressive as Valerie, with her strong dance skills and captivating stage presence. Scott England and Sherylee Campbell brought a touch of humor and heart to their roles as Al and Kristie. Ollie Bell as Mike was a standout, with his energetic performance of "I Can Do That".  

The 16-piece band, under the direction of Gabriel Taburet, provided a fantastic musical backdrop that captured the essence of the 70s. Jess McCallum did an excellent job with the vocal direction, particularly in the moving rendition of "What I Did for Love". 

Louise Panagiotidis’ choreography was exceptional, showcasing the dancers' skill and athleticism. Although the direction by Tahra Cannon was relatively simple, the strong comedic performances and energetic choreography more than made up for it.

The decision to perform the final number in black tailcoats and top hats instead of gold sequinned costumes was a missed opportunity to embrace the campy and kitschy elements of the 70s. 

The ticket price is a bit steep for a semi-pro/amateur production, but the overall quality of the performance made it worth it. 

Overall, A Chorus Line was a memorable experience. The talented cast, strong musical direction, and impressive choreography made for a captivating evening. While there were a few minor quibbles, the production's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. A Chorus Line is at the National Theatre St Kilda till the 22nd of September.

Tim Bland 

Photographer: Nicole Cleary