[NEohioPAL] Review of "A Chorus Line" at the Ashtabula Arts Center

[Ashtabula Arts Center]

Three final performances will be held Thursday - Saturday, August 16, 17, 18th.  All shows at 8 p.m. 
Order tickets by calling (440) 964-3396.


August 10, 2012 
Expect a hot time with 'A Chorus Line' at Straw Hat 
A REVIEW
By ROGER SMITH Star Beacon The Star Beacon Fri Aug 10, 2012, 12:33 AM EDT 

ASHTABULA -  

 The hot ticket here in the sharpest corner of Ohio has got to be for a seat in the Straw Hat Theatre on the grounds of the Ashtabula Arts Center where "A Chorus Line" is the attraction for this weekend and next. 
Although the show is a big one for community theaters to undertake, director Stephen Rhodes, music director Debra Fleming and especially choreographer Tessa Deutsch have made this production one that should not be missed. Working with actors who may or may not have had some formal dance training, Deutsch brings out the best in each. 
Right off the bat, Robert Pierce as Zach, the director/choreographer who is looking for a dancing chorus of four boys and four girls, sets the professional tone for the rest of the evening - and he sets the bar high.  Without a doubt, he is in charge of what's happening on the stage. 
As each auditioner relates his or her personal story from youth to the time of the audition, Zach is able to delve into the personality of each one trying out for a spot in the chorus. It's important to know how attitudes will mesh when folks are on stage together. A mixture of experienced and novice Straw Hat performers apparently meshed in the best of ways, as the high kickers and story tellers entertained those in attendance in the tent. 
Kimberly Godfrey, Cathy Fasano-Chmielewski, Julia Hines, Jordan Malin, Paige Beach and Meghann Stell and Rebecca Moseley are the 'girls' that most supporters of Straw Hat Theatre will recognize as having seen in productions for several seasons and ones who help make this show a success in every aspect.  
Devin Powell, Jayson Gage, Kyle Huff, Nick Cusano and Robert Taylor show up as the experienced 'boys.' The skilled presence of those seasoned actors is balanced by the talent demonstrated by relative newcomers, especially Josh Maker as Paul and David Zorkocy as Bobby.
Rounding out the cast of 'hoofers' are Christy Seymour, Libby Riddell, Julia Kubec, Tywan "Tank" Jackson and Tim Kolman, each making a significant contribution to the entertainment value of this musical.
The music for "A Chorus Line" was composed by Marvin Hamlisch, who passed away on Monday at the age of 68.  He won an Oscar for the music for "The Way We Were," the song itself, and the music for "The Sting". 
"A Chorus Line" continues each night this weekend and Thursday, Friday and Saturday next weekend.  The curtain goes up each night at 8.  Tickets may be ordered by phoning the Ashtabula Arts Center at 964-3396.


Pamela Hammond
Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator
Ashtabula Arts Center
2928 West 13th Street
Ashtabula OH 44004
(440) 964-3396
aac at ashartscenter.org
www.ashartscenter.org
www.artscenternews.com
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