The Cast Photo by Daniel rader

Goodspeed Musicals presented A Chorus Line in fall of 2025 and some of those same actors now appear in Pittsfield, Massachusetts for Barrington Stage. The presentation moves on to Geva Theatre in September which could extend stage time for certain performers.

Michael Bennett conceived and originally directed and choreographed this musical. Bob Avian was the co-choreographer. Parker Esse, as he did in East Haddam, Connecticut for Goodspeed, choreographed the Barrington Stage production. His program notes indicate that his mentor, Baayork Lee (in the original cast of A Chorus Line, advised him of Bennett's intentions with dance and movement. James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante wrote the book for the show, which features Marvin Hamlisch's music and Edward Kleban's lyrics. Music director Helen Gregory conducts fine instrumentalists whom one never sees.

It's 1975 and anxious individuals wearing work out/audition gear hope for the best as they try to gain favor with director Zach (Danny Binstock). The entire company opens with "I Hope I Get It." Kristine (Hayley Bjorn) is convincing as she screeches, rather than sings, on a number called "Sing!" Diana (Gaby Albo) will demonstrate that she has solo chops on both "Nothing" and, almost at the final curtain, with the classic, plaintive "What I Did For Love." Larry (Travante S. Baker) dances with force. Everyone, in fact, summons spirit and athleticism to propel the production forward. Compared to some of the others in their early twenties, Sheila (Scarlett Walker) sees herself as a seasoned veteran at thirty. She excels with "At the Ballet." Connie (Jolina Javier) is not thrilled that she's four foot ten. Combining music, plot, and drama, A Chorus Line also brings moments of levity. Val (Jess DiForte) sings about various body parts, which might be enhanced through surgery, in "Dance: Ten, Looks: Three."

Zach must "cut" several of those trying out during the early going. Among the survivors is Cassie (Deanna Cudjoe), who tends to stay away from the spotlight for much of the early going. Zach gives everyone a break but asks Cassie to stay on stage. We learn that, a figurative lifetime ago, these two people lived together for a while and then did not. Additionally, Cassie was evidently a principal theatre actress and Zach now wonders why she would want to become part of a line of dancers. Deanna Cudjoe is one of those who was not at the Goodspeed Opera House. She is a sensationally malleable dancer and uncommonly striking with her movement before adding superior voice on "The Music and the Mirror." From Atlanta, Cudjoe debuted on Broadway in Smash and played Anita with the national tour of West Side Story. She trained in a variety of dance genres and now moves with a combination of passion, creativity, and craft. Her artistry during her major number is electrifying.

A Chorus Line runs for two hours or so without intermission. This must be demanding and the cast sometimes performs a matinee, gets to rest for a few hours, and returns in the evening. At the outset of the performance, each aspiring actor gives a bit of background information which is sometimes personal, sometimes not. One could argue that a portion of this dialogue could be trimmed, but that would abbreviate the reality of the situation. Take Mike (Anthony DaSilva), who has eleven older siblings and observed one of his sister's dance classes.

This musical is ever relevant; it is still exhilarating to watch it all. It would not be a stretch to predict that a significant portion of this legendary theatre piece will ring true 50 years hence. Today, it is a blast both from the past and the present.

A Chorus Line runs through August 8, 2026, at Barrington Stage Company, 30 Union St., Pittsfield MA. For tickets and information, please call 413-242-6411 or visit barringtonstageco.org.