Reviews: A Chorus Line: Teen Edition at South County HS
Written by Emily Reisman of McLean High School
Rows of dancers step, kick, kick, leap, kicking to a soundtrack of snazzy tunes and the voice of a demanding director. The lights popping along with the beat, the echo of feet smacking on the ground, and the buzzing nerves of an audition in the air. With this, South County High School sets the stage for an energetic production of "A Chorus Line."
"A Chorus Line" by Michael Bennett, James Kirkwood Jr., and Nicholas Dante hit Broadway in 1975. Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban's iconic music paired with Bob Avian and Bennett's unforgettable choreography has earned the show a timeless spot in theater history. The unique musical is centered around an entire ensemble of a cast, aiming a spotlight on the often-underappreciated chorus line. As the auditioners compete for a coveted (background) role, they reveal the distinct individuals hidden within impersonal ensembles.
Cassie DellaVedova was a shining standout as Cassie (No Number). DellaVedova's initially reserved posture and tentative tone made her blend into the crowd, effectively making Cassie's breakthrough "The Music and the Mirror" all the more powerful. DellaVedova's rich, assertive vocals and mesmerizing dancing marked Cassie's transition from a No Number ensemble member to an expressive character. Graceful pirouettes melted into smooth twirls and confident leaps, culminating in a dramatic balancing pose, leaning back as smoky red lighting darkened her into a silhouette. DellaVedova's passionate performance captured the true theme of the musical: how art can empower even those trapped in obscurity.
Leila Slye as Paul (45) brought a resonant poignance to the character's devastating backstory. The start of the solemn monologue was characterized by blase gestures and an ironic delivery, depicting Paul's attempt to mask painful emotions. Slye skillfully portrayed Paul's cracking resolve, a collected voice gradually shattering into a tearful tone and hyperventilating sobbing. Slye's embodiment of the character was further displayed in Paul's career-ending knee injury, frantic denial expressing the tragedy of the loss.
For an ensemble-reliant show, each cast member offered a thematic memorability to their character. From Caprice Aspland's comically sassy portrayal of Sheila (152) to Gavin Flynn's expert tap dancing as Mike (81) to Samantha Stephan's bold saunter as the brazen Val (179), the entire chorus line showcased the distinct personalities of every auditioner--a feature that is exactly what makes "A Chorus Line" so special.
William Waugh, Kareena Kasperowski, and Natalie Mitchell's lighting was a remarkable breath of life onstage. Strobes matched the tempo of the music, as if the lights were dancing alongside the ensemble. Vivid colors correlated with the outfits of characters, immersing the audience in their perspective. The lights enhanced the show's environment, rippling along the minimal setting with electrifying vibrance. The stage crew (Evan Slider, Emma Bohan, Krystal Charters, Matthew Botts) elevated this effect, precisely timing when to rotate the background pillars. Between the flashy lights and spinning panels, another layer of energy was added to the musical's peppy mood.
The South County Pit Orchestra provided a foot-tapping vitality to the production, flawlessly delivering the jazzy stings and spirited melodies famous to the show. The drumming tempo was a pounding heartbeat of the musical, embodying the adrenaline of an audition.
With its dynamic performers, exuberant dancing, and lively lights, South County High School's "A Chorus Line" brought those normally regulated to the background into the forefront. The thrilling production offered many more than just one singular sensation.
Written by Juliah Perdue of Duke Ellington School of the Arts
What happens when dreams collide with the harsh realities of Broadway? South County High School's electrifying production of “A Chorus Line: Teen Edition” answers that question with a raw and utterly captivating passion.
The groundbreaking musical “A Chorus Line” premiered in 1975, originally conceived, directed and choregraphed by Michael Bennett with a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante and composition and lyrics by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, respectively. The musical offers an intimate perspective of the lives of seventeen Broadway dancers auditioning for coveted spots in the chorus line of a new show. Through monologues and songs, they share their personal histories, motivations for dancing, and the defining moments that shaped their lives.
The hard work and attention to detail demonstrated by the technical teams elevated the show as they collaborated closely to create cohesiveness and perfectly showcase each performer. The lighting design and programming, led by William Waugh, Kareena Kasperowski, and Natalie Mitchell, was a standout feature of the production. The brilliance of the lighting crew was evident as they highlighted the individuality of each auditionee, a rare approach in a chorus ensemble. The lighting synchronized with the musical beats, a meticulous programming and operating task, and the design in numbers like "At the Ballet" and "Gimme the Ball" contributed significantly to story development. The transitions through hues took the audience on an emotional journey. Costumers Dexter Burris, Shika Kumar, and Zoey Cabot designed, planned, and modified the stunning Y2K-inspired costumes with care. They sought to reflect each character's personality through color palettes and patterns against a backdrop of dance clothes. For example, Sheila's costume, worn by Caprice Aspland, featured a bold leopard print two-piece set that showcased Sheila's confidence and grit. Although this musical typically strips away Broadway glitz and glamour, the costuming reintroduced stylistic pizzazz with the curtain call costumes for all performers. Boasting glitzy hats and sparkling vests, the finale costumes, which were significantly student-modified, offered a glimpse of the costume team's capabilities.
In its entirety, the ensemble supported each other while shining individually through musical numbers and heartbreaking monologues. Amaris Stoke's vocal energy as Maggie was admirable and unforgettable. Leila Slye brought an energetic presence from the moment they stepped onstage as Paul, engaging every part of their body to exude confidence through the beautifully executed choreography. The highly skilled Lea Ahrens, portraying Diana, a tough actress and dancer from the Bronx, demonstrated clear ownership of Diana's story and delivered her narrative with sincerity. Ahrens' performance featured powerful and smooth notes along with intentional speech inflections that resonated well with the painful and shocking aspects of her story.
Cassie DellaVedova brought to life Cassie, an experienced dancer who's been in the industry for a long time, fallen on hard times, and desperately needs to work. DellaVedo's yearning for an opportunity to dance again was truthful, and her emphasis on Cassie's character was evident. She was unafraid to use the entire stage and seemed to be in constant intentional movement even when it was not choreographed. Bravo, Ms. DellaVedova!
Quelling the glitz and glamour and ripping open the heart of the performance industry, South County High School's production of A Chorus Line: Teen Edition highlights the grit and determination of the dancers who make it all happen. It isn't just a high school musical; it's a powerful testament to the dreams and sacrifices etched into every plié.