Date: Fri 26-Dec-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: JUDYC

Quick Words:

theatre-Cabaret-Chorus-Line

Full Text:

(rev "A Chorus Line" @Downtown Cabaret Theatre)

A Chorus Of Applause For One Of Broadway's Best, At Cabaret

(with cut)

By Julie Stern

BRIDGEPORT -- After scraping pretty low down in the barrel for its last few

productions, Bridgeport's Downtown Cabaret Theater has wisely returned to the

mainstream of top quality shows, opening its 1997-98 season with one of

Broadway's greatest hits: A Chorus Line .

Originally conceived by choreographer Michael Bennett, the idea was to devote

an entire play to the people who make up the humblest element of the theater:

the anonymous dancers of the chorus line, who are usually perceived as

mannequins in colorful costumes, kicking and smiling in mindless unison.

The nameless show depicted in Chorus Line is in the early stages of rehearsal.

The audience knows there are stars who will be the really important figures,

but we never see them or learn anything about the plot or the setting.

Instead, we watch as Zack, the choreographer-director, goes through the

relentless process of winnowing out from the two dozen hopefuls, the four

"boys" and "girls" who will make the final cut.

The premise of the show is that since they are all good dancers, Zack must

find some other basis for selection -- personality, drive, charm. In order to

learn more about each one, Zack puts them through a series of probing

questions, about their lives, their dreams and their deepest secrets.

This sets the stage for a series of dramatic and musical monologues, creating

sharply etched portraits that capture the essence of these anxious, hopeful

dancers, every one of whom desperately wants and needs the job. There is

Diana, a fiery Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx; Sheila, the wisecracking

older (pushing 30) woman; the supercilious Greg; oddball Bobby, the refugee

from Buffalo; Judy, the spacey blonde from El Paso; Paul, the wistful kid from

the Bronx who nurses his own shameful secret; a pair of newlyweds from the

Midwest; and Cassie, Zack's former mistress, who is now begging for a second

chance in the chorus line.

Under Mitzi Hamilton's direction, which follows the original work of Michael

Bennett, all these characters come to life and win a place in our affections.

By the time Zack is ready to make his choices, the room is filled with tension

and the audience is as anxious as the players.

The Cabaret's presentation is quite enjoyable. In particular, Gina Philistine

is terrific as Diana. Her renditions of "Nothing" and "What I Did for Love"

are showstoppers. As Val, performing the famous "T and A" song, Kendra

Kassebaum is a real sparkler.

Also, Jan Leigh Herndon invests the character of Sheila with both humor and

poignancy at the same time, and is probably the best performer in the group.

The Downtown Cabaret has always been a great place to see good dancing. It is

especially appropriate that it stages a show that explores the question of

what it means to be a dancer, why people struggle and sacrifice and push

themselves so hard for a life that will always be tenuous and unstable.

It is because they are doing what they love, and it shows. You can't help but

love a play that captures this.

Downtown Cabaret Theatre's production of A Chorus Line continues through

February 1, with performances Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 5:30 and 8, and

Sunday at 5:30. Tickets are $19.50 to $23, depending on performance day and

time. Call 576-1636 for additional information, directions.