Theater Reviews : ‘Chorus Line’ Gets a Kick From Actors

“A Chorus Line” has its small charms, in spite of a pretty dull score (music by Marvin Hamlisch) and not much plot or suspense.

The late Michael Bennett, who conceived it, taped dancers telling their stories of struggle, and the tapes became the basis of the show. They’re pretty ordinary tales, of the sort glorified as long ago as “Stage Door” and “A Star Is Born.” When the show works, it usually works because of its energy and through the strengths of individual performances.

The production at the La Habra Depot Theatre comes to life when the company dances Nicki Peek’s energetic choreography. Even though Brad A. Steward’s musical direction doesn’t sparkle, the cast members enjoy themselves and their sense of fun overflows into the audience.

With some exceptions, the dialogue sections tend to drag under Larry Watts’ direction, although some of the very large cast stands out. Rick Watson is very capable as the auditioning choreographer, Zach. Denise Hadland’s over-the-hill Sheila, Bill Walters’ small-town boy Mark, and Ryan Black’s upper-crust snot Bobby also give the show a shot in the arm.

Alison Boole has the pivotal role of Cassie, the ex-chorus girl who got a few breaks but now has to start over. She is fine in the dialogue sections with her ex-lover Zach. But she is not the dancer Cassie is supposed to be, nor does she have the aura that would get her grabbed out of a chorus for a featured role.

*

Musically, Nicki Peek’s Val is a firecracker during “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three.” In the show’s most persuasive number, “What I Did for Love,” the powerful and riveting Adrianna Sanchez wrenches the heart.

But the potentially most touching segment--when Paul (Ruben Rodriguez) tells of his teen years as a drag queen and of the startling moment when his parents found out--is, in spite of Rodriguez’ efforts, mostly lost as a result of the staging, which has him almost whispering the story to nearby Zach.

* “A Chorus Line,” La Habra Depot Theatre, 311 S. Euclid St., La Habra. Thursdays through Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends Oct. 1. $10. (310) 905-9708. Running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes. Rick Watson: Zach

Alison Boole: Cassie

Bill Walters: Mark

Ruben Rodriquez: Paul

Adrianna Sanchez: Diana

Ryan Black: Bobby

Denise Hadland: Sheila

Nicki Peek: Val

A La Habra Depot Theatre production of Michael Bennett’s musical, produced by Millie Fuller, directed by Larry Watts. Choreography: Nicki Peek. Musical direction: Brad A. Steward. Scenic design: Brad Steward, Larry Watts. Lighting design: Mitch Atkins. Costumes: Tom Phillips. Stage managers: Verlene and John Van Amber.