A Chorus Line wraps up great run at National Theatre

March 24, 2:26 AMDC Tourism & Travel ExaminerBen Shlesinger

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I cannot say enough good things about A Chorus Line, which recently just wrapped up its run at National Theatre. Simply put, the show was great. Peter Marks of The Washington Post said he found timely relevance in the touring show, considering how everyone was trying to get a job. I did not see it that way. To me, I was just watching a great production of one of Broadway's signature musicals. 

A lot of the marketing materials and souvenirs from the show say "The Best Musical. Ever." I don't know if I would go that far but I feel very comfortable in saying it was one of the best musical productions I have seen in D.C.

Not once during the show did I feel as if the singers were being drowned out by the musicians. I could hear every note clearly and did not notice a single slip up. Several of the company members reprised their roles from Broadway and it came as no surprise to learn that company members had past experience. Others were in the show for the first time. Nevertheless, I thought the show was perfectly cast and would not have changed a thing. I remember the movie starring Michael Douglas and many of the company members reminded me of their movie counterparts. If they did not, they fit perfectly into the role they were cast.

Mindy Dougherty was a wise choice to play Val, who sings the famous "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three." As soon as she walked on stage I noticed her aesthetic talents. When she sang that not-so-naughty-anymore song, Doughtery's voice delivered what her looks appeared to promise.

Clyde Alves and Robyn Hurder, who I already wrote about, were excellent as former lovers Mike and Cassie. Alves did not have much stage time, as his role dictates, but his real-life wife Hurder stole the show during "The Music and The Mirror." Her song and dance routine was mezmerizing in front of the simple mirrored stage.

All in all I really thought A Chorus Line was just fantastic. Chicago comes to National Theatre March 31-April 12 and it has a tough act to follow. Something tells me John O'Hurley will be up to the task though.