06 Aug Review: ‘A Chorus Line’
There is, perhaps, no musical more fitting for this era of the carefully curated online identity than “A Chorus Line.” Long before social media encouraged us to package ourselves into perfectly polished versions of ourselves fit for public consumption, Michael Bennett’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical asked a deceptively simple question of its characters: “Who are you?”
The answers are simple, drawn from the commonality of the human experience. They are not, however, always easy to tell.
Presented with precision and heart by Theatre Aspen, “A Chorus Line” remains — nearly 50 years after its debut — one of musical theater’s most enduring explorations of ambition, vulnerability and the complicated pursuit of being chosen. Under the direction of Paige Price, with choreography by Eamon Foley and music direction by Beth G. Tankersley, this production trusts both the material and its performers, allowing humanity to emerge and shine.
The premise is famously sparse. A group of dancers compete for a coveted spot in a Broadway chorus, gradually revealing the deeply personal stories that shaped their lives and careers. What begins as an audition becomes something closer to collective confession, as each performer moves beyond résumé highlights into memories of family, identity, resilience and hope. Each story is given room to breathe, allowing the audience to recognize pieces of themselves in lives that may otherwise seem far removed from their own.
As Zach, Stephen Cerf commands the stage with quiet authority, balancing the impossible task of evaluating talent while drawing deeply personal truths from the dancers before him. Opposite him, Ahren Victory brings an emotional depth and complexity to Cassie’s return to New York from LA, and back to auditioning for a spot in the chorus.
This ensemble is exceptional, in its technical excellence and for each performer’s delivery of their character’s distinct identity. The dancing is, as expected, superb. More impressive, however, is how clearly character emerges through movement. Confidence, insecurity, humor and longing are communicated not only through dialogue but through each performer’s living into the choreography. Foley’s original choreography creates new movement that belongs only to this production, and it is a breath of fresh air that then culminates in the original and iconic choreography for “One.”
It is difficult to only call out a few of the performances with such a stacked cast. A few of the many worth mentioning begins with Alejandro Medina bringing a frenetic sincerity to Mark, Charlie Reyes delivering an engaging and energetic Al and Olivia Zenetizis finding delightful comedic timing as Connie. Myranda Sanchez infuses Bebe with both vulnerability and determination, while Evelyn Duggan leaves a memorable impression as Kristine, embracing the character’s near tone deafness with genuine charm.
The production’s technical elements are equally accomplished. Scenic designer Riw Rakkulchon’s elegant use of moveable mirrors expands both the physical space and the emotional landscape, subtly reinforcing the play’s central themes of reflection and identity. Maddie Peterson’s costumes remain grounded in the eclectic authenticity that is of a group of dancers, and adds the perfect pop of rhinestone exactly when it is called for. Wheeler Moon’s lighting shapes each emotional transition with clarity, Jeff Sherwood’s sound design keeps every confession crisp — allowing Marvin Hamlisch’s beloved score to resonate Under Tankersley’s direction — and the musicians provide a confident, polished foundation supporting those on stage without overwhelming them.
What continues to make “A Chorus Line” extraordinary is the generosity with which the musical regards ordinary people pursuing their extraordinary dreams. In a culture increasingly built on performance and self-presentation, “A Chorus Line” reminds us that our value lies not in the image we project but in the lives we actively live. Every disappointment, awkward moment, difficult family relationship and unexpected detour becomes part of the story each person carries onto the line and back out into the world.
By the time the company delivers the absolutely exhilarating finale, the line no longer feels anonymous. We know these people. We have laughed with them, grieved alongside them and celebrated the resilience that carried each one to this moment.
This production honors a beloved classic by reminding us why it has endured for generations. Beneath the dazzling choreography and unforgettable musical numbers is a profoundly human story about the courage it takes to stand in the light, tell the truth about yourself and hope that, somehow, it will be enough.