Theater Review: 'A Chorus Line' at Sacred Heart University

FAIRFIELD - The Sacred Heart University Theatre Arts Program (TAP) is presenting “A Chorus Line” on their Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts stage through April 10. The Theatre Arts program is excited to have audiences return to the Edgerton for their first main stage musical performance since 2019.

“A Chorus Line” is a complex concept musical that captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition, exploring the inner lives and ambitions of professional Broadway performers. The show features one powerhouse number after another, with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, and is the winner of 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score and winner of the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Director Jerry Goehring (“Be More Chill”) retains the often dramatic tone of the work while allowing the wonderful dancing to delight the audience. Director of Theatre Leo Carusone is in his usual spot as musical director and allows both the musicians and the singers to shine. The musical director conducted the 13-piece orchestra that made the score sound perfect. The talented Jim Marbury sat on the stage with the other musicians on trombone II.

All of the SHU students rose to the acting, singing and dancing demands of their role. SHU freshman communications and theater double major Sean Ryan plays the role of Zach. Junior MaryCate Cassidy is Zach’s assistant Lori in her debut in theater. Junior Abigail Palmer shines in the role of Cassie; it is hard to believe that this marks her SHU debut on stage.

Sophomore theatre arts student Colleen DeGennaro plays the slightly older dancer Sheila with aplomb and theatre arts major Kiley Ondash sings “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” in the role of Val. Julianna Rezza, a junior studying biology and theatre arts, sings Diana’s “What I Did for Love” beautifully.

Sophomore Maria Possavino is Judy, and sophomore Madie Theriault plays Kristine (“Sing.”) Sophomore interdisciplinary studies major Kyla Hackett is a lovely Maggie, freshman Juliana Balzano is Bebe, who is part of “At The Ballet,” and the adorable freshman Erin Paranal plays Connie in her first collegiate production.

Senior exercise science major Ryan Solorzano, who has been admitted into the Doctorate of Physical Therapy class of 2025, plays Mike, who performs “I Can Do That.” Sophomore Fabiola Millien-Faustin is Rikki (“Gimme the Ball”) in her first collegiate production, sophomore Brad Hutchison is Don, sophomore Antonio Cipollone is Paul.

Sophomore Christopher Conte, who served as co-costume designer, is onstage in the role of Mark, freshman Billy Kasheta dances well the role of Greg, sophomore Nick Rubano is Bobby and sophomore Nicky Duca appears as Al, one half of the “Sing” number. Kudos to all of the male dancers on a job well done.

The amazing featured dancers, many of whom are member of the Dance Company at Sacred Heart, include Jessica Anderson, Corinne Bain, Annika Bokor, Jillian Bowman, Hannah Burrows, Danielle Caso, Tara Kelly, Fiona McCabe, Allie Miller, Dance Captain Bella Sangiorgi, Bella Scarmack, Kiera Walsh, and Brayden Wihbey. Nothing is more impressive than a stage full of dancers and the offstage singers also added much to the sound of the show.

The scenic design by the theater department is stark except for the obligatory wall of mirrors that is lowered in front of the onstage orchestra. The costumes designed by Chrisopher Conte and Marykate Kiley capture the nature of a dance audition and the glorious gold costumes for the final number “One.” Hair and makeup design by Lauren Baroletti and Kayla Goncalves complete the looks. I appreciated the lighting design of SHU senior Kaylie Mallegol for the spotlights that highlight each dancer, the effective backlighting and the lights from both sides of the stage that enhance the various scenes.

The all-important choreography by resident choreographer for SHU mainstage musicals Simone DePaulo, working on her 19th show with Goehring and Carusone, is a feast for the eyes. From “I Hope I Get It,” through the challenging Montage to the closing bows, the students danced the impressive choreography with beautiful lines. 2020 SHU graduate Marissa Powers served as assistant choreographer.

Be forewarned that the show is presented with no intermission and runs about two hours and fifteen minutes.

Sacred Heart alumni and friends were invited to a special pre-show reception hosted by the Fairfield County Alumni Chapter before the SHU Theatre Arts Program performance of "A Chorus Line" on Friday evening.

A Chorus Line runs APRIL 7-9, 8 PM, APRIL 10, 3 PM
General Public: $22, Senior Citizen/Alumni: $15, Student: $10
Faculty/Staff: Free with SHU ID
Event held at Edgerton Center

Nancy Sasso Janis, a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle, is a Sacred Heart University alum '81, '89.