Northampton Community College’s “A Chorus Line” is a joyously exuberant production brimming with hope and deliverance and delivered with plenty of pluck.
The heartfelt show, Michael Bennett’s love letter to the theater, kicks off NCC’s Bill Mutimer Summer Theatre Series, and runs through June 14 in the Lipkin Theatre, Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem Township.
A show that is truly an ensemble piece, the cast is excellent throughout and there is not a weak link.
The Pulitzer-Prize-winning musical is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theater with only a mirror backdrop, and focuses on 17 Broadway dancers auditioning for eight spots on a chorus line. The e show is considered groundbreaking for the way on which it give glimpse into the personalities of the performers, as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers.
Jason Roth as Zach is intimidating and cooly detached for most of the show until his emotions creep through with former flame and project Cassie, and then at key moments in the show.
As Cassie, who is trying to reclaim her place in the chorus after an unsuccessful attempt at stardom, Eileen Lee is brutally realistic and determined, and demonstrates her impressive dance abilities in “The Music and the Mirror.”
Mike Gueriere is spunky and appealing as Mike, the first of the “kids” pulled out of line to talk about himself in the playful “I Can Do That.”
Gianna Neal conveys plenty of humorous attitude as “Sheila, who is “going to be 30 real soon.” She, along with Riley Lusk as Bebe and Mackenzie Hall as Maggie provide lovely harmonies on the heart-breaking “At The Ballet.”
Deb Katz and Daxton Chappell are adorable as a married couple who are both auditioning and do a great job on the humorous “Sing!” in which Chappell’s dulcet-voiced Al answers for Katz’ scatterbrained Kristine.
Mia Quesada is defiant as Diana in the devastating “Nothing,” then ably leads the cast in the ultimate song to the love of your art “What I Did For Love.”
Ava Boyd is wonderfully sassy and self-possessed as Val in “Dance: Ten, Looks: Three,” a;ways a highlight of the show.
Boyd joins Charlotte O’Keefe as a perky Judy Turner, Kaleb Bell as street-wise Richie, and Max McCurdy as the defensive Bobby in the moving “And...”
As the vulnerable Paul, Spencer Williams is devastating as he delivers a painful monologue before breaking down.
Dami Shote shows off his dancing prowess as Larry the choreographer in the show.
In the group numbers, such a the opening “I Hope I Get It” and “One,” the dancers look great. Kudos to
choreographer Ryan Skerchak.
The entire cast holds it all together effectively and deserves credit including Melody Chen, Adrian Colon-Burgos, Harrison Fox, Giovanni Failla, Auqinay Jones, Audrey Wood, Maricel Wheatley, Declan Messics, Jacob Piccini and Madisyn Bonilla.
Co-directors Darah Donaher and Jessica Lopez-Barkl keep the pace brisk and music director Lucille Kincaid effectively leads the live orchestra off stage.
Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for seniors and $15 for students.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. June 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13; and 2 p.m. June 7 and 14.
For information, call 484-484-3412, or go to www.ncctix.org/