By Alayna Een
A Chorus Line (1975) is a record-setting and well-loved American musical conceived by Michael Bennett with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante. The premise is simple enough: a group of dancers auditioning for spots in the chorus line of an upcoming Broadway show. As the audition process drags on, the dancers’ personalities, desires, traumas, and fears are on full display. Finally, the director makes his decision, and dancers join together one last time for a glorious, golden finale. With mature themes and language (rated PG-13 and recommended for adult audiences), this musical is rarely seen on the Utah stage, though the valley’s robust musical and dancing talent make for a dazzling and rich cast performance that would be unattainable in other communities.
Staging A Chorus Line in a circular theater provides a major technical challenge, but the director/choreographer duo of Izzy Arrieta and Ben Roeling finds creative workarounds. The headshot scene is especially compelling on the moving circular stage, and in moments when a single line would be most practical, the directors incorporate dynamic lines and lighting techniques to bring out the strong visuals of a chorus line without putting different sides of the audience at a prolonged disadvantage.
As with a typical chorus line, there are so many incredibly talented people contributing to every scene that it’s impossible to highlight them all. But because of their precise movements—especially difficult in such close quarters—and attention to character detail, you can look at any person during a number and see a different part of the story, even while they sing and dance in professional unison. Alicia Kendrick’s costuming makes the dancers’ personalities clear and solidifies the 1970s feel of the musical.
The musical numbers hit a variety of emotional points. The montage musical numbers in the middle of the show truly capture the cringy awkwardness of growing up, as the dancers share stories about their adolescent years. The standout numbers include the energetic and humorous “I Can Do That” (Cameron Robbins as Mike) and “Sing!” (Annie Jones as Kristine and Remy Talanoa as Al), the contemplative “At the Ballet” (Heather White as Sheila, Sophi Keller as Bebe, and Summer Sloan Alvey as Maggie) and “What I Did for Love” (Celeste Palermo as Diana), and the heartbreaking “The Music and the Mirror” (Bailee Johnson as Cassie). The lighting in this number is especially effective, as sharp directional and colored lighting (designed by Ryan Fallis) falls in time to music and dance beats—with breathtaking effect.
Though the focus of the show is on dance, there are powerful acting moments. I was surprised by the number of times I was nearly moved to tears by a simple monologue, such as when Angel Martinez (Paul) shares his path to dancing and when disillusioned Johnson asks for a second chance in the chorus. The conversation surrounding her character’s former relationship with Zach (Joseph Spear) is especially poignant and a triumphant performance for both.
Through the vignettes of the individual dancers and the eventual unified chorus line, this musical poignantly reminds us of our shared humanity, balancing vulnerability with resilience. Just like the dancers, we are frequently putting ourselves out there, on the line. Everyone wants to “get it” and everyone needs something—job security, a sense of belonging, a creative outlet, a moment in the stage lights. And for a few hours, we get it through the cast of the West Valley Arts Center’s performance of A Chorus Line.
West Valley Arts presents A Chorus Line. Conceived by Michael Bennett with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante.
West Valley Performing Arts Center, 3333 S, Decker Lake Dr. West Valley City, UT 84119
April 11 to May 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM. Thursdays–Saturdays (with Saturday matinee)
Tickets: $20–35
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Contact: 801-965-5140, artsboxoffice@wvc-ut.gov
Box Office Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
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