l975, the stage of an empty Broadway theater. Dozens of singers and dancers audition for the chorus of a Broadway musical, teaching the audience that all people have dreams and stories, even if they're not in the limelight.
Buffalo native Michael Bennett created this musical, currently being presented by the department of theater and dance. It introduces several cultural, socio-economic, sexual, and gender-related issues. Retaining the aura of 1970s music and dance, the story is still relevant today.
The show depicts a group of down-on-their-luck men and women aspiring to a part in a Broadway show, trying to restore their faith in themselves and their work. These talented performers integrate song, dance, and acting into monologues that make up the timeless musical's intermission-less, two-hour duration. The cast members succeed in drawing the audience into their characters by telling their unique stories through solo song and dance numbers.
Junior musical theater major Sally Schwab portrays Morales, whose monologue and accompanying song "Nothing" reveal an inability (on the part of Morales) to express her acting chops during an acting class. By the end of the show, her character comes to realize why she and the others auditioning put themselves through the stresses of constant auditioning.
Morales' "11-o'clock" number, the next-to-last of the evening, is the show's famous ballad. "What I Did For Love" summarizes the feelings of many characters after their grueling auditions. Schwab's performance was well-received by the audience.
"A Chorus Line" is notable in musical history for its new methods of storytelling. It revolutionized the way that musicals were produced, moving away from the traditional script and score. Instead of the more traditional format, Bennett gives each of the characters a story of their own to tell.
Lynne Kurdziel-Formato, who directed the show and adapted Bennett's original choreography for this production, successfully cast students who make the compelling and truthful stories come alive.
Much of the interaction between the characters uses a comedic slant to tell dramatic stories that force the audience to grapple with issues of discrimination, unfair casting, and the fate of those who dare to deviate from society's norm. In many instances throughout the show, characters expose sensitive topics such as homosexuality and ethnic stereotypes for the purpose of challenging traditional ideals.
Robert Petrarca, a junior musical theater major, plays Paul, whose childhood sexual abuse is the center of a lengthy monologue about growing up. Paul's story is characteristic of the many unique events leading up to the characters' collective audition. From Paul's abuse to the growing pains of other characters during puberty, each character divulges a little bit about their past, making each song and story personal and honest.
It is no wonder why this musical has remained so popular. Its innovation and willingness to "step outside the box" helps it to remain fresh and entertaining. The relevant and flawlessly executed song-and-dance numbers make the theater and dance department's production of the show worthy of acclaim.
"A Chorus Line" runs through April 13 at the CFA Drama Theater, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and may be purchased by calling the CFA at 645-ARTS, visiting the box office, or contacting Ticketmaster.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
