Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group’s production of A Chorus Line is an extremely professional feeling and very enjoyable performance. From the moment the audience enter the theatre, we feel immersed in this story.
A Chorus Line explores the stories of several characters who make up a group of actors auditioning for, you guessed it, a chorus line. Each character has their own story to tell, and they are all told beautifully. The show starts with a large group of dancers, who are slowly whittled down to a smaller group, who are then called on to share personal truths by director Zach, played well by Nash Nørgaard. Cassie, played by Nina Harman, waits to confront Zach with a personal truth of her own.
Nina Harman’s performance as Cassie is impressive – I was told before the show that she was injured, but this did not affect her performance at all. Her portrayal is realistic, vulnerable and at times emotional.
Other stand out songs throughout A Chorus Line are ‘I Hope I Get It’, which is earlier on in the show but remains a highlight of the show.
Each actor excels in their role, each leaving a lasting impact after their solo numbers. Occasionally, some of these numbers feel too long, as they are sometimes repetitive in choreography.
Most of the choreography, however, is crisp and well thought out. It is clear sometimes that not all of the actors have dance training, and this does occasionally stand out. Lexie Kirwan-Jones as dance captain Larry stands out in her dance scenes and really pulls the actors who are a little weaker in this area together.
The band and tech is also a highlight of this show. The band is tight and on mark but doesn’t overshadow any singing. At the show I saw, the microphones of a few characters faded in and out, but this was fixed by the second half. Costumes are also excellent- in a show with so many characters who come and go, it could be difficult to tell them apart, but the costuming means that each character stands out and feels recognisable.
All in all, EUSOG’s production of A Chorus Line is a very professional and enjoyable performance which allows each actor to stand out and shine. I expected A Chorus Line to be a really great performance, as I have seen other EUSOG performances which really impressed me, but A Chorus Line really bowled me over.
EUSOG’s A Chorus Line was at Paradise in Augustines from 14th-18th August and sold out every night.
Image by Mihaela Bodlovic provided to The Student as press material.