519 Reviews as of : 03/06/2010

The current Broadway revival of A Chorus Line makes a strong case against cloning. Everything looks the same, especially since all the original designers are in place, but it certainly doesn't feel the same. Director Bob Avian, who was co-choreographer for the original production, makes the mistake of not allowing the new performers to investigate their characters thereby negating the actors' connections with their roles. It's as if they were told "do it this way or don't do it at all." The cast is young, robust and confident, knowing full well they've "got the job" in a great big revival. Thus, the missing desperation and competition among these healthy specimens allows us to sit back and ponder why the production still works on a basic level. One only has to tune into "Dancing with the Stars" or "American Idol" to get that. The big questions about stardom, anonymity, dysfunction, sacrifice, age, and obsession fly by with a passing nod, reminding one "oh yeah, that's why it won the Pulitzer." Still, there are those remaining electric moments which are inherent - the show-biz choreography itself, the eclectic range of music and smart lyrics, and the flashy, shockingly existential curtain call. Unfortunately, most of the time, like the paean to the acting classes of Diana (Natalie Cortez), I dug right down to the bottom of my soul and felt nothing.

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