by Cari Lynn Pace

A Chorus Line opens with a backstage look at dozens of dancers trying out for a part in a new show. The live music is energizing and brassy; the director of the audition is pushy and demanding. After dance eliminations, only seventeen remain onstage. They’re exhausted and nervous as they urgently sing “I Hope I Get It” as they await the next cut. Ginger Beavers, 6th Street’s Musical Director, is in the orchestra pit with a seven-piece band to highlight their every note and punctuate every emotion.

This Broadway blockbuster burst onto the scene 50 years ago, holding the record as the
longest-running production in history until 1997. Conceived by Michael Bennett from the book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, with award-winning songs by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, this poignant musical has an endearing and enduring message of determination, resiliency, and the amazing power of dance.

6th Street Playhouse rose to the challenge of tackling A Chorus Line with 30 dancers, singers, and actors. I tip my top hat to this smart and successful theatre company. They auditioned new, emerging, and professional talent from all over the North Bay. The final cast includes actors of every size, shape and color… a kaleidoscope indeed. Some of the casting is unexpected, far removed from the typical Broadway lineup, but each is determined to create a star performance. Kudos to Director Lorenzo Alviso for giving them a chance to sing and dance with a razzle that dazzles!

A Chorus Line begins as Zach, the voice of the upcoming show’s director, barks out dance moves. Before casting signature roles, Zach, played partially offstage by Tajai Jaxon Britten, wants to know more about each dancer’s personality and background. He publicly interviews each in line.

Many actors have outstanding voices and all show well-rehearsed moves, as choregraphed by Hannah Woolfenden. The dancing is entrancing, both as solos and syncopated scenes. With so many in this production, several highlights stand out. Diego Rodriguez as Mike is the first to be quizzed in the line. He sings “I Can Do That!” and proves it with tap dancing and floor moves that bring spontaneous applause from the audience. What a snappy start to this show!

Reilly Milton as Diana brings a hush to the audience when she sings of her teacher’s Puerto Rican bias in “Nothing.” In Act II, she invokes the show’s stirring anthem in “What I Did for Love.” Monique Borses is Cassie, the lovely returning songbird, who begs Zach to choose her to dance for “The Music and the Mirror.” And dance she does!

The opposite of this songbird is Lila Howell as the amusing Kristine, who can dance “like a birdie on the wing” but can’t sing a note. Her helpful husband Al, played by Gabriel Logan Reyes, lovingly finishes her vocal screeches. You won’t easily forget Val’s body-beautifying advisory “Dance 10. Looks 3.” sung in this show by a highly amusing Anna Vorperian.

Jonathen Blue channels Paul in a somber role difficult for him to reveal. If there are tears to cry in this show, it could be here. Zach’s comforting of Paul brings a murmur of approval and sympathy from the audience. As Zach announces his final choices, the aspirants are decked out in shiny costumes and top hats for the finale. As they sing “One” they happily dance out to the roar of the crowd. We roar even louder as they join hands and kick up A Chorus Line.

Playing now through September 28, 2025 in the G.K. Hardt Theatre at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa

Information and tickets at 6thstreetplayhouse.com

Photos by Eric Chazankin

Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers.