A CHORUS LINE -- Saint Mary's University

conceived, originally directed & choreographed by: Michael Bennett
co-choreographed by: Bob Avian
music: Marvin Hamlisch
book: James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante
lyrics: Edward Kleban

director: Judy Myers
music director: Jan Matson
choreographer: Christine Martin
set design: Kit Mayer
lighting designer: Tim Schmall
costume designer: Alice Flo
cast: Alex Gorgone, Jarod Boltjes, Bryan Moore, Darrell Fair, Nick Montecalvo, Matthew Gorgone, Peter Snell, Matt Polum, Tom Conry, Neil Heacox, Krista Hingtgen, Nora Richards, Ali Fisch, Alyssa Schlageter, Maggie Allexsant, Katie Keck, Whitney Rappana, Laura Flicek, Joanna Mills, Nicole Volner, Colleen Joyce, Madeleine Bryant, Allison Johnson, Michelle Cullen, Anna Holley

The musical story of a group of dancers auditioning to be part of the chorus for a new musical.

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I had some trepidation going to see this musical. It is not a story musical, and more than the 'revue' types of shows, this show NEEDS to have strong dancing. Seeing a college production, in a school with no dance major and only a recently-introduced dance minor, I was fearful that the dancing would bring this show down.

Fortunately my fears were mostly unfounded.

This production was nearly as strong now as the touring production I was back in... what?... 1980?

Particularly strong (and it was fortunate that he led the way) was Bryan Moore as "Mike" with his song "I Can Do That." He sang well, danced well, and ended with the nice flip that was needed to conclude the number.

Also strong was Nora Virginia Richards as "Shiela." She had just the right amount of 'bitchy' attitude that she came across exactly the way the character should.

It's hard to pick out who stands out because really, the ensemble was quite good. The dance for Music and the Mirror got more than a little repetitive, but really, if there's any actual 'negative' to the evening it would be the ending.

First...it took too long to happen. The band vamped for quite a long time before the first group of dancers came out, and no one seemed to understand WHO was coming out, so they didn't understand that this was supposed to be the curtain call.

Also...while the costumes generally seemed appropriate, the ending costumes didn't impress and 'wow' the way that I think they usually should.

Still...a really great university production and one which I've recommended!

PRIVATE EYES -- Commonweal Theatre Apprentice Company

playwright: Steven Dietz

A play of deception in which the characters are rehearsing a play. Or are they? Is the affair real, or part of the rehearsal?

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This group of apprentice actors did a phenomenal job bringing the misdirection and questions to the forefront.

Although a simple story, it seemed quite complicated because of Dietz's careful writing. the performances were tight and believable. I'd like to see these apprentices with more stage time!