Review by Chris Heide
I saw A Chorus Line at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, and I left thinking about both the talent on that stage and how much the theatre has to celebrate right now. This season marks the 100th anniversary of the 5th Avenue Theatre building, and this production feels like a fitting way to begin that milestone season. It brings together the spectacle of musical theatre and the personal stories of the people who make it happen.
A Chorus Line takes us inside an audition, where dancers are asked to share far more than what they can do physically. As their stories unfold, you start to see the person behind each performer on the line. That only works if the cast can make those stories feel individual, and this cast absolutely does. The show is well cast throughout, with vocals that were on point and delightful. The choreography was good, too. It was fun to watch, full of energy, and especially exciting when the ensemble came together. ‘What I Did For Love’ is such a seminal song and I can’t help think about Lea Michele’s chilling rendition from Glee.
Sara Esty was a standout as Cassie. She has the presence the role calls for, but she also lets you feel what it means for Cassie to be back in an audition, asking for a chance to do the thing she loves. Her performance of “The Music and the Mirror” was one of my favorite moments of the evening. It gave her room to show what she can do as a dancer while making the emotion behind it just as clear.
The performance that affected me most, though, was Kayden Oliver as Paul. His monologue made me cry. He delivered it with such honesty and vulnerability that I was completely drawn into his story. In a show with so many big musical moments, it says a lot that one person speaking from the stage was what stayed with me most. Oliver made Paul feel deeply human, and I’m still thinking about that performance.
I do have one criticism, but it’s a criticism of A Chorus Line rather than this production. It’s a long, one act show without an intermission, and I think it drags in the middle. Even with a strong cast, there’s a stretch where I felt the length. That pacing is simply one of the show’s weaknesses, and I don’t hold it against the 5th Avenue. The performers give it everything, and the production has plenty of moments that pull you right back in.
I’ve also been really happy with the direction the 5th Avenue has taken in recent seasons. The programming feels like a tremendous improvement, with exciting productions created here alongside touring Broadway shows. That mix gives Seattle audiences a lot to look forward to, and it makes the theatre’s centennial feel especially exciting.
Overall, this is a moving and enjoyable production of A Chorus Line. The cast is strong, the vocals are delightful, the choreography is fun, and Esty and Oliver both gave performances that stood out for me. I’m glad I saw it, and I’m excited to see what else the 5th Avenue brings to the stage during its 100th anniversary season.
