Legendary musical A Chorus Line is brought to life in this full-length production at the spectacular Grand Lodge, George Street.
At a high-stakes Broadway audition, the director demands that the dancers reveal the stories behind their movements. As love, loss and ambition surface, each one is challenged to face stark reality and forced to choose between standing out and disappearing into the chorus. Friendships spark and rivalries simmer, exposing fragile humanity behind each polished routine. The audition becomes a raw, electric and deeply personal experience for the auditionees.
The performance is already underway as the audience enter, with the performers entering the stage as they would an audition room. This creates a smooth, gradual transition into the show which continues to flow as it gets underway.
A talented cast strives to bring the best out of the script, generating convincing performances that confront the audience with the harsh reality of show business. Not only are the acting and vocals strong, but the dancing is too, with the performers working hard to execute the intricate choreography. Their stamina is also admirable, in particular the mammoth kick line at the very end of the show.
What’s unique about A Chorus Line, compared with other musicals, is that there is no single main character. This means that, as cliché as it sounds, everyone gets their moment, and each individual performer owns their character with confidence and commitment. However, for me, it’s during the full ensemble numbers that the cast properly shines, filling the theatre with resounding triumph. One particular standout is ‘What I Did For Love’, which is movingly sung with heartfelt sincerity.
Edinburgh Fringe shows can come with the added challenge of navigating a space that isn’t necessarily designed for that type of performance. The company copes extremely well in this music hall, managing to incorporate the doors and steps on the stage as if they were meant to be there.
Advertised for age 8 upwards, A Chorus Line is an enjoyable musical treat from a passionate cast that has energy, humour and emotion.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
