University High School’s theater program recently performed their musical, A Chorus Line. The production took place from Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29.
A Chorus Line premiered on Broadway in 1975. This production was brought to life by Michon Peacock and Tony Stevens, two Broadway dancers. A Chorus Line follows a group of dancers as they share their stories and experiences while auditioning for a Broadway musical.This show won the Pulitzer Prize and nine Tony Awards despite it being the anti-musical musical of the era. It had a significant impact on the musical theater industry. At the time, musicals were presented in a rather showy element, making A Chorus Line stand out.
At UHS, a new generation of performers stepped up to create this amazing show. “It is truly an honor to watch these talented young artists embrace the depth and complexity of this piece, both on stage and behind the scenes,” said director Mr. Mendez. The cast and crew put their all into the piece with their impressive costumes and intricate choreography. The musical held an air of authenticity through the heavy emotion the actors carried throughout the production. “It is inspiring seeing them breathe new life into a classic and connect with its message,” said Mendez.
Lead actor Tayshawn Walker stood out for his imposing acting and strong portrayal of Zach in the play. He seamlessly transitioned from moments full of harsh words to ones of a softer tone. Walker’s vocal delivery was outstanding, with a deep enunciation and use of serious tone that conveyed the character’s temperament.
Another actor that took charge was Briana Naraynsingh, playing Sheila. Naraynsingh did an excellent job of portraying her character in a manner that felt genuine. Her use of body language was nothing short of remarkable. Without saying a word, her subtle expressions and movements displayed the strong disposition of the character and revealed the complexity of her character’s story.
The choreography was outstanding, especially during Lauren King’s performance as Cassie. King added fluidity and grace to the production with her perfectly timed movements and precisely detailed moves. Her choreography added a layer of depth to her character’s personality, allowing the audience to become more entranced with the show.
All of the cast in A Chorus Line did a phenomenal job of adding complexity to the play, and most importantly, left the audience starstruck with their skills.
