Review: A Chorus Line at Tyne Theatre

A Musical Sensation

A Chorus Line

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House,

Until 30 May 2015

Book: James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante

Music: Marvin Hamlisch

Lyrics: Edward Kleban

Director: Ben Hunt

Producer: Jamie Gray

Musical director: David Gray

Choreographer: Stephanie Smith

Recently the film 20 feet from Stardom gave an insight into the life of the backing singer. A role in which you are successful if you’re not noticed and you don’t stand out but the star of the show does. A Chorus Line looks at the audition process for the dancers in the ensemble for a Broadway show. All of the dancers are looking for that next job which will help pay the bills. For most of them they may be looking for that final payday, knowing that their dancing days will soon be coming to an end.

The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a wonderful theatre and it is great to see it being used for the very purpose for which it was built – to entertain. To match its lavish surroundings, the Nice Swan Theatre Company have pulled together a large and talented cast that sing, dance and tell the story tirelessly.

The show opens with an audition in full swing. As each small group is given the opportunity to dance for the director there is an opportunity for some humour as a small number of dancers are clearly not up to the job and don’t make the first cut. It is fascinating to see how impersonal the process is at this stage – everyone is referred to by numbers rather than names. 

The first number I Hope I Get It reflects the anticipation about getting cast in the role. The music is performed by an unseen live band under the direction of David Gray. The sound was clear and the voices were well matched on the big numbers.

The auditionees are told that there are just 4 male and 4 female roles available and each one will be given a chance to talk about their life. Why are they there?  How did they become a dancer? There is a contrast with the beginning as each dancer reveals their individual back story. Some such as Greg (Luke Neville) and Judy (Louise Barron) get quick laugh from their responses. Mike (Spencer Hardy) has a nice solo spot with I Can Do That.

As each performer opens up there are tales of escaping unhappy childhoods, living parental dreams and trying to survive in a big city at a young age.  What they all have in common were the problems of being 12 or 13. Bodies developing and the onset of ones own identity are an interesting theme and it makes for a strong theme in the montage Hello Twelve, Hello Thirteen, Hello Love.

The dance industry is one in which image is a massive issue and Val (Brooke Havana Bailey) describes the pain and the solution in the catchy Dance ten Looks three. Lauren Gordon delivers The Music and The Mirror about fading opportunity passionately as Cassie.

After the final cut is made there is a superb and very glamorous grand finale that gives each remember of the cast there well deserved moment to shine.

The cast work hard and under Ben Hunt’s direction there is an alluring story to be told about some of the less prestigious aspects of show business. The end result is a very absorbing and delightful evening’s entertainment.

Read the original North East Theatre Guide preview by clicking here.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for the North East Theatre Guide by Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

 

On The Web:

Website: www.niceswan.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/niceswanuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/niceswanuk

Tickets:

A Chorus Line runs at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle from 27 - 30 May 2015. Tickets available at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.ukor call 0844 2491 000

 

Preview: A Chorus Line at Newcastle Tyne Theatre

Tyne Theatre Welcomes

Musical For Its 40^th Anniversary

A Chorus Line

Newcastle Tyne Theatre & Opera House,

27 - 30 May 2015

Nice Swan Theatre Company - a North East platform for performing arts - are bringing the legendary Broadway musical A Chorus Line to Newcastle for a strictly limited run this May.

The company, who recently produced the premiere of The Addams Family musical in the region are staging the show which is now the longest running musical in New York theatre history - recently celebrating its 40^th anniversary, breaking records, winning nine Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, the New York Critics’ Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

A Chorus Line is based on auditions for a new Broadway musical. For everyone present, it’s the chance of a lifetime. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed of – to have the chance to dance. Told through captivating song, riveting drama and stunning choreography, the auditionees describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. The show boasts classic songs  including ‘One (Singular Sensation)’, ‘What I Did For Love’ and ‘At The Ballet’.

Gateshead based producer, Jamie Gray is bringing this fantastic show to the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in May 2015. “There's so much talent here in the North East and i think it deserves to be shown off on a professional stage - we have an absolutely outstanding cast for this show - they’re all trained performers - we’re working with people at the moment who could be on the West end - it really is going to be something special.  This is a fantastic company to be part of - it’s like a big family , everyone is so friendly and give each other so much support”.

Nice Swan Theatre Company are one of the most reputable theatre companies in the North East and well known throughout the region for producing affordable high standard theatre. Nice Swan are excited to be visiting the Tyne Theatre in May after it recently changed management back to the original Tyne Theatre Trust who are now in control of the grade 1 listed building on Westgate Road. "I've wanted to produce this show in Newcastle for a long time now, it's a while since its been in our area and I couldn't think of a more perfect theatre to be staging it in. The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is the oldest working victorian theatre in the world and one of my favourite, it really fascinates me. This venue has been on my list for a while now and I knew this was the year to do it".

The show is being directed by Ben Hunt - a local director who studied at East 15 Acting School. Ben was one of the original founders of Nice Swan Theatre Company over five years ago when he directed RENT the Musical before transferring to study in London. A Chorus Line is being choreographed by Stephanie Smith, who is also from Gateshead. Stephanie attended Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and has recently worked with stars of Strictly Come Dancing Katya Virshillas and Pasha Kovalev.

A Chorus Line is being designed by local designer Mary Ann Trigg who creates stunning costumes for many shows every year in the UK including a range of pantomimes - including the Theatre Royal, Newcastle - alongside musicals and cruise ships. Her designs for this show are based on the original Broadway costumes and will include over 20,000 individual stones.

The theatre company is seen as a stepping stone for students with interests in the theatre industry whether it be singing, dancing, acting or lighting design, costume and stage management. The company works in a constant cycle where by budding performers from the North East get involved, learn, rehearse, achieve and get the experience that is required to progress further in education or into the performance industry and move on to the next step to success. "We've had some great success stories in recent years. Some students have gone onto professional work across the world, others are continuing their training in London. It's great to see them progress, knowing that one day they will no doubt be on the West End stage and we helped them by giving that 'stepping stone'."

On The Web:

Website: www.niceswan.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/niceswanuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/niceswanuk

Tickets:

A Chorus Line runs at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastlefrom 27 - 30 May 2015. Tickets available at www.tynetheatreandoperahouse.ukor call 0844 2491 000

News: Auditions for A Chorus Line

A Chorus Line - early release auditions

A Chorus Line

Newcastle Tyne Theatre

27^th – 30^thMay 2015

Nice Swan Theatre Company - a North East platform for performing arts - are bringing the legendary Broadway musical A Chorus Line to Newcastle for a strictly limited run in May.

The company, who recently produced the premiere of The Addams Family musical in the region are staging the show which is now the longest running musical in New York theatre history, breaking records, winning nine Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, the New York Critics’ Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

A Chorus Line is based on auditions for a new Broadway musical. For everyone present, it’s the chance of a lifetime. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed of – to have the chance to dance. Told through captivating song, riveting drama and stunning choreography, the auditionees describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. The show boasts classic songs  including ‘One (Singular Sensation)’, ‘What I Did For Love’ and ‘At The Ballet’.

Local producer, Jamie Gray, from Whickham in Gateshead, is giving budding performers in the region the opportunity to perform as part of this fantastic show at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House in May 2015. Jamie, who is also Managing Director of Nice Swan Theatre Company is auditioning for musical theatre performers in January "There's so much talent here in the North East and i think it deserves to be shown off on a professional stage - I really can’t encourage people enough to get involved - this is a fantastic company to be part of, not just for the performance experience but the people are so friendly and supportive - it’s like a big family and we welcome any like-minded young performers into it. It really is amazing what it can do for you”.

Nice Swan Theatre Company are one of the most reputable theatre companies in the North East  and well known throughout the region for producing affordable high standard theatre and giving fantastic opportunities to performers age 16-30. Nice Swan are excited to be visiting the Tyne Theatre in May after it recently changed management back to the original Tyne Theatre Trust who are now in control of the grade 1 listed building on Westgate Road. "I've wanted to produce this show in Newcastle for a long time now, it's a while since its been in our area and i couldn't think of a more perfect theatre to be staging it in. The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is the oldest working Victorian theatre in the world and one of my favourite, it really fascinates me".

The show is being directed by Ben Hunt - a local director who studied at East 15 Acting School. Ben was one of the original founders of Nice Swan Theatre Company over five years ago when he directed RENT the Musical before transferring to study in London. A Chorus Line is being choreographed by Stephanie Smith also from Gateshead. Stephanie attended Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and has recently worked with stars of Strictly Come Dancing Katya Virshillas and Pasha Kovalev.

The theatre company is seen as a stepping stone for students with interests in the theatre industry whether it is singing, dancing, acting or lighting design, costume and stage management. The company works in a constant cycle where by budding performers from the North East get involved, learn, rehearse, achieve and get the experience that is required to progress further in education or into the performance industry and move on to the next step to success. "We’ve had some great success stories in recent years. Some students have gone onto professional work across the world, others are continuing their training in London. It's great to see them progress, knowing that one day they will no doubt be on the West End stage and we helped them by giving that 'stepping stone'."

COULD YOU BE THE ONE?

Fancy the chance to be part of this one singular sensation? The producers of A Chorus Line are on the look out for a talented cast  to join this production next year. If you are a strong singer and outstanding dancer and aged between 16 -30 years old - you have the chance to get involved and audition for the show on Sunday 18th January at the Theatre Royal Studio in Newcastle. For further information visit www.niceswan.comor contact casting@niceswan.com.

A Chorus Line is on sale from January and runs at the Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle from 27 - 30 May.