The cast of “A Chorus Line” is so good-looking that you can almost overlook the fact that the acting is sub-par.
Playing at the Hippodrome Theatre through Dec. 14, “A Chorus Line” follows 17 hopefuls through what could be the most challenging audition of their entire lives. Director Zach not only wants to see their stage talent, but also asks about their personal lives — revealing emotional and sometimes painful pasts.
The obvious star here is the stunning choreography and the unbelievable stamina of the actors on stage. Every one of them, no matter how they delivered their dialogue, should be commended. The music is another indisputable star, with numbers like “One,” “What I Did For Love,” “I Hope I Get It” and “Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love.”
As far as the actors go, the standout here is Gabrielle Ruiz as Diana. Her clear and bold singing voice shines through in her two numbers, “Nothing,” and “What I Did For Love,” and she has just the right balance of attitude, confidence and uncertainty.
Another star is Mindy Dougherty as Val, the brassy blonde who discovered that she was too ugly for Broadway — until she paid for her implants. She’s hilarious, with perfect timing, and shows off a more than adequate singing voice in “Dance: Ten, Looks: Three.”
Although his part is small, Sebastian La Cause as Zach, the director, is captivating. When he’s on stage, no one’s looking anywhere else (a combination of his devastatingly good looks, impressive physique and velvet voice, perhaps?)
Robyn Hurder’s monologue as Cassie is based on the fact that she discovered dance as her true talent during her failed attempt to “make it big” as an actress in Hollywood. Zach reiterates that Cassie dances “like no one else.” It’s only natural that the audience would expect an emotional dance performance during Hurder’s solo, “The Music and the Mirror.”
Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Not only does she lack the necessary dance chops to really wow the audience, her monologue is painfully overacted — her forced tears are almost laughable.
But Hurder isn’t the only one at fault. Paul (Kevin Santos) has a long monologue explaining his early career in a drag act, coming to terms with his homosexuality and manhood, meant to stir the audience’s hearts. Santos’ performance is over-the-top Broadway, with exaggerated pauses and artificial delivery. Instead of feeling sorry for him, you end up just wishing the hook would pull him offstage already.
IF YOU GO
A Chorus Line
Where: The Hippodrome, 12 N. Eutaw St., Baltimore
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday through December 14
Tickets: Starting at $29
Info: www.france-merrickpac.com
