Drury Lane Theatre Presents A CHORUS LINE Review — A Sparkling Ensemble

Drury Lane Casts for A Show

The line of potential chorus members stand before us. They stand on a simple set, one wide white line downstage with several mirrors lining the back wall. It’s a  nondescript studio room for these characters to stand out on their own.

One is in a pale pink leotard and leg warmers, her hair piled high in a ballerina bun. Another nervously looks around in jeans and tennis shoes. We take in each of these potential chorus members - their postures, their demeanors, and their personalities. Though they're all here to blend in, straightaway we can tell each of these have their own story to tell.

As they are called forward, we learn each character’s unique story.  Combined, we get a lasting impression of the great variety in each of their backgrounds. We reminisce about the ballet. We feel the heartbreak over a parent’s disownment. We laugh at one’s good natured exasperation at only getting jobs because of her tits and ass—and more.

What Would An Audition Be Without Dancing?

Those who are a fan of big dance numbers will be thrilled by this Drury Lane production, as there’s many here. Lights go brightly on behind the mirrors to frame the stage  during the montage sequences. They all step in sync when learning the infamous hat and tap number. Even during solo pieces, they provide backup dancing for their fellow castmates.

CAST:

Sara Andreas (Cassie), Terrell Armstrong (Frank), Alex Benoit (Don), Collin Bradley (Swing), Ben Broughton (Roy), Bryanna Ciera Colón (Vickie), Trey DeLuna (Al), Alley Ellis (Maggie), Abbey Friedman (Lois), Yesy Garcia (Diana), Jorge Guerra (Larry), Devon Hayakawa (Connie), Christopher Kelley (Mark), Ivory Leonard (Richie), Sam Linda (Mike), Ashton Norris (Becky), Martín Ortiz Tapia (Paul), Alexandra Palkovic (Sheila) Caleigh Pan-Kita (Val), Lisa Revis (Tricia), Melody Rowland (Judy), Madison Sheward (Swing), Oz Shoshan (Greg), Sawyer Smith (Bobby), Lance Spencer

CREATIVE TEAM:

Jane Lanier (Director/Choreographer), Frank Kliegel (Associate Director / Choreographer), Carolyn Brady (Music Director), Andrew Boyce (Scenic Designer), Sarah Cubbage (Costume Co-Designer), Heather Jackson (Costume Co-Designer), Julie Mack (Lighting Designer), Cassy Schillo (Properties Designer), Ray Nardelli (Sound Designer), and Anthony Churchill (Projections Designer).

WHEN:

January 25 – March 19, 2023

Wednesdays and Thursdays: 1:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 8:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

WHERE:

Drury Lane Theatre
100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace

TICKETS:

$85+

For more information and tickets visit the Drury Lane Theatre website.

Photos: Brett Beiner

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago.