‘A Chorus Line” is a winner at Theatre by the Sea

What better way to welcome in the Rhode Island summer theater season than at Matunuck’s Theatre by the Sea, especially when a superlative production of “A Chorus Line”  — the groundbreaking musical originally produced for the Public Theater by the late, great Joe Papp — is the opening production.

“A Chorus Line,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1976, opened last week at Bill Hanney’s iconic barn theater before an enthusiastic audience who jumped to their feet at the show’s magnificent end, clapping wildly for the dancers — who, at last, had earned their glittering stripes, and were dancing jubilantly in the chorus line — and for the splendid musicians who accompanied them on their journey. 

Oh, the dancing! Oh, the music!

I knew from the moment I learned that Westerly native Jen Christina — the talented keyboardist who has been touring the world with “Annie” — was to be a member of the orchestra for “A Chorus Line” that we were in for a musical treat, but the music in this production, under the direction of conductor Alex Tirrell and with the glorious trumpeting of Shawn Baptista, was beyond expectations. 

Tirrell, who is making his debut as music director, adds the perfect touch to the often poignant, often hilarious show — which was conceived, choreographed and originally directed by the late Michael Bennett with book by James Kirkwood  Jr. and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban.

The play walks us through the group tryout sessions of 17 earnest young dancers all vying for eight coveted spots in the chorus line of a Broadway musical, which is directed by Zach (Christopher deProphetis), who runs the audition and barks directions to the eager dancers, one of whom is his former girlfriend, Cassie (Cassidy Stoner, who is currently in the Broadway company of “Aladdin”).

As Cassie and Zach, Stoner and deProphetis give us a heartbreaking glimpse into the emotional lives of the dancers, as deProphetis does again when he tenderly comforts Paul (Luciano Castaldo) after Paul shares a deeply personal story. Castaldo’s performance will move you to tears, just as Jessica Minter’s Val will move you to laughter in her unforgettable rendition of “Dance Ten, Looks Three.” Minter is a hoot … a talented hoot … and lights up the stage.

Also outstanding are Erica Perez-Gotay, who gorgeously belts out “Nothing” as Diana; Meag O’Meara as Mike, who sings the opening solo number “I Can Do That”; Ashley Bice as the tone-deaf Kristine; Kallie Takahasi as Diva Sheila; and Dance Captain Amanda LaMotte (Bebe), who returns to Theatre by the Sea after having been an intern in 2010.

Often described as “the ultimate celebration of the American musical,” “A Chorus Line” features a Tony-Award-winning score, which includes memorable numbers like “What I Did for Love,” “One,” and “Dance Ten, Looks Three” and is dedicated to “anyone who has ever danced in a chorus or marched in step … anywhere.”

The cast of 26 also includes Connor Barton as Mark, Glenn Girón as Larry, Tanner Gleeson as Don, Benji Godley-Fisher as Frank, Bailey Reese Greemon as Tricia, Mikey Corey Hassel as Richie, Marcus Henson as Butch, Henry H. Miller as Al, Nina Pagan as Vicki, John Reed as Greg, Nate Scullion as Tom, Kimmy Sessions as Judy, Taryn Smithson as Maggie, Emma Stricker as Connie, Mat Webb as Bobby, and Emma Woodfield-Stern as Lois.

The creative team includes resident scenic designer Kyle Dixon, lighting designer Weston Wilkerson, costume designer Matthew Kilgore, and sound designer Michael Hyde, along with Nicole Weigert (production stage manager) and Julius Cruz (assistant stage manager).

Performances of “A Chorus Line” are scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. For tickets, visit theatrebythesea.com or call 401-782-8587.