by Suzanne Wells, Special to Berkshire on Stage
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary since its debut in 1975, Goodspeed Musicals presents “A Chorus Line,” conceived by Michael Bennett, written by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, and directed by Rob Ruggiero. For those unfamiliar, “A Chorus Line,” based on interviews with real performers, delves into the hopes, dreams, and lives of 17 individuals auditioning for a chance to perform on Broadway. Packed with music, dancing, drama, comedy, and love, it has a little something for almost everyone.
Ann Beyersdorfer, scenic designer, cleverly creates a New York theatre by lining the back of the stage with mirrors, which double as a dance studio. A live 14-piece orchestra, conducted by Adam Souza, performs a varied mix of 1970’s jazz, accompanying each performer during their moment in the spotlight. Breathtaking dance routines, choreographed by Parker Esse, fill the stage with so much movement audience members can hardly keep up with all the leaps, spins, and pinwheels.
Scarlett Walker as Sheila, Lisa Finegold as Bebe, and Liesie Kelly as Maggie perform “At The Ballet” depicting hopeless childhoods with transcendent voices. Diego Guevara’s honest, moving monologue as Paul, an in-the-closet homosexual, will not only emotional, but will burn his story into anyone’s soul.
Comic relief abounds throughout the show, starting with Clifton Samuels, in the role of Zach, captivating viewers with his expressive mime work during “I Hope I Get It;” the comedic duo of Alex Drost and Haley Bjorn, portraying Al and Kristine, present a hilarious rendition of “Sing” and Beatrice Howell’s vibrant and energetic portrayal of Val in “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” keeps the audience laughing.
Romantic elements are woven into the story as Karli Dinardo and Aaron Patrick Craven, portraying Cassie and Don, revisit their past relationship. However, the production’s deepest love story is found in the passion for dance itself. This is subtly expressed through Karli Dinardo’s mesmerizing solo, “The Music and the Mirror,” which beautifully highlights her character’s strength and grace. Mikaela Secada’s intense and powerful performance of “What I Did for Love,” in the role of Val, is a powerhouse.
Goodspeed’s production of “A Chorus Line” is timeless story and makes for a spectacular night out. The musical offers the experience of “One” singular sensation!
Goodspeed Musicals presents “A Chorus Line,” conceived by Michael Bennett, written by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and directed by Rob Ruggiero from October 5-November 2, 2025, at The Goodspeed, 6 Main Street, East Haddam, CT. CAST: Scarlett Walker as Sheila, Lisa Finegold as Bebe, Liesie Kelly as Maggie, Diego Guevara as Paul, Clifton Samuels as Zach, Alex Drost as Al, Haley Bjorn as Kristine, Beatrice Howell as Val, Karli Dinardo as Cassie, Aaron Patrick Craven as Don, Mikaela Secada as .Diana, Travante S. Baker as Larry, Patrick Higgins as Mark, Caroline Kane as Judy, Ryan Mulvaney as Bobbie, Jonah Nash as Richie, Emma X. O’Loughlin as Connie, Mario Rizzi as Mike, Sammy Schechter as Greg. ENSEMBLE: Cory Betts, Christian Feliciano, Chloe Rae Kehm. & Erica Peréz-Gotay. SWINGS: Maggie Bergman & Matthew Quintero. CREATIVE TEAM: Scenic designer Ann Beyersdorfer; Musical Director Adam Souza; associate musical director David Kidwell, choreographer Parker Esse; co-choreographer Bob Avian, additional choreographer Baayork Lee, costume designer Joseph Shrope, lighting design John Lasiter, sound design Jay Hilton, production stage manager Chris Zaccardi, director of production Endla Burrows, technical director Dominick J. Pinto.
Tickets are available through the Box Office (860.873.8668), open weekdays at 10:00 a.m. and weekends at 11:00 a.m., or online at goodspeed.org.