Please God, I Need This Job

A Chorus Line

What makes a multi award-winning 1975 musical about dancers auditioning for a role in the chorus so popular and timely in 2023?  Well, the show is historically important, having run for an awe-inspiring 15 years on Broadway, sparking umpteen national and international productions, tours, films and books, plus receiving the Tony, Olivier, Drama Desk Awards and the Pulitzer Prize. But more importantly, the musical has become a metaphor for every single person with a dream, as well as for anybody simply looking for work. “I really need this job. Please God, I need this job. I’ve got to get this job!” as sung by the entire cast during the opening number, embodies the very heart and soul of the piece. Amid our current dismal economic climate the same mantra can be heard repeated by millions of out-of-work Americans today.

Originally conceived, directed and choreographed by the legendary Michael Bennett, the show was the result of several taped sessions by a group of dancers hoping to form a professional workshop for other “gypsies.” The musical, with a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, and music and lyrics by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban, tells the real-life stories of many of those dancers, several ultimately playing themselves in the original production. For this much-loved musical, now kicking off a new year at Drury Lane Theatre, talented Director/Choreographer Jane Lanier, assisted by Associate Director/Choreographer Frank Kliegel, have faithfully recreated the best elements of Bennett’s production. There’s the familiar bare stage flanked by floor-to-ceiling mirrors, period audition clothes and hair styles, and, of course, Michael Bennett’s signature dance steps. If it’s not broken, don’t try to fix it. The decision not to update this production was wise; although timeless, the piece historically belongs to an era of synthesized music and determined optimism.

The very definition of ensemble acting, this multitalented, highly-skilled cast of young singer/dancers features many standout performances. Yesy Garcia, recently seen in the National Tour of “Hamilton,”plays tough Puerto Rican dancer Diana Morales, especially appealing in her two solo numbers, “Nothing” and, leading the eleventh hour anthem to eternal commitment, “What I Did for Love.” Broadway and National Tour actress Sara Andreas brings a touching vulnerability to her portrayal of Cassie. Dancing for her life she verbally and choreographically describes a former star’s desperation to return to the chorus line in her song-and-dance solo performance, “The Music and the Mirror.” 

As the sardonic Bobby, handsome Chicago actor Sawyer Smith, recently seen in the pre-Broadway production of “The Devil Wears Prada,” dances circles around his competition while sharing hilarious stories about his youth. Another local talent, the beautiful and gifted Alexandra Palkovic is simply stunning as Sheila, the “adult” dancer who doesn’t seem to be taking the audition seriously until she breaks down and describes her sad childhood. With a resume filled with Broadway and film credits, Ryan Watkinson is a tough taskmaster as Zach. He runs the audition with a firm hand, looking for topnotch dancers who can sing, but also trying to discover each auditioner’s real motivation for what they do.

However, the heart of this production beats in the character of Paul, as passionately portrayed by the incredible Martin Ortiz Tapia. This young performer is the very definition of a triple threat, displaying excellence as a dancer, singer and, especially, as an actor. Mr. Tapia’s story about his traumatic childhood and teen years, the longest piece of dialogue in this musical, will break the heart of every audience member. Martin delivers this monologue with so much raw honesty and determination. Despite all the choreography and beautiful songs in this show, like “At the Ballet,” “Sing,” and the insistent closing number, “One,” Paul’s emotional journey is what audiences will remember, long after the final curtain.   

 A brilliantly gifted cast of truly likable actor/singer/dancers, stunning choreography and dramatic guidance by Jane Lanier, superb musical direction by Carolyn Brady and masterful musical accompaniment conducted by Christopher Sargent’s seven-member pit orchestra make this production a must-see. For newcomers to this dazzling homage to the struggling artist who really needs this job, as well as for seasoned audiences longing to revisit a show from Broadway’s heyday, Drury Lane’s new production of  “A Chorus Line” proudly stands as a golden classic for the ages.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 25-March 19 by Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.