The Cast Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Michael Bennett conceived, directed, and co-choreographed the original with a book written by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante. Marvin Hamlisch provided music and Edward Kleban the lyrics. Bob Avian co-choreographed the initial presentation. At the Goodspeed, Rob Ruggiero directs, Parker Esse choreographs, and Baayork Lee assists with additional choreography. Conductor Adam Souza directs a large group of musicians who are quite prolific on a number of songs. The instrumentalists provide a pivotal force fueling an array of production numbers.

The setting is the early 1970s in New York as individual dancers have gathered hoping to audition and be cast in an upcoming production. The Broadway production will open soon and director Zach (Clifton Samuels) and his assistant Larry (Travante S. Baker) are casting. Everyone sings "I Hope I Get It," and the lyric "I need this job" resounds throughout.

The characters reveal individual stories. For example, Sheila (Scarlett Walker) explains that her parents were not ideal types and that dancing, with reference to "At the Ballet," was helpful. When she has the spotlight, Kristine (Haley Bjorn) makes it obvious that she cannot carry a tune on "Sing!" Connie (Emma X. O'Loughlin), two inches short of five feet in height, rues that predicament. The 17 hopefuls are competing against one another but they are also a part of a community and, just as important, stand for others who also share a common dream.

Joseph Shrope's wardrobe choices, especially for the women, couldn't be more suitable. The dancers wear leotards and tights indicative of the era. A Chorus Line transpires on a bare stage and scenic designer Ann Beyersdorfer includes a large mirror at the very back of the performance area, reflecting the interior of the Goodspeed, complete with the audience in the reflection.

The performance is not without humor, even if it is sometimes wry. The musical is neither sorrowful nor sad, but many of the dancers are emotionally hurting. When 16 participants take a break and leave the stage, Zach asks Cassie (Karli Dinardo) to stay. We learn of their previous time together, of a past when they lived together, and how each felt about their break-up. Zach plainly tells Cassie that she's too talented to become a chorus member, while she contends that she just cannot find solo gigs.

Through the production (running two hours and ten minutes without intermission), Cassie often seems steadier and less agitated than others. Dressed in red, she is ever fluid and graceful. She graces "The Music and the Mirror" with a lyrical portrayal. Karli Dinardo's interpretation of the character is absolutely distinctive.

Clifton Samuels's take on complicated Zach offers a man whose job is almost no-win. A trained dancer himself, he knows what it's like to be a passionate artist clinging to the possibility of finding employment, paying rent next month. Still, he is a director whose show will open in a few weeks and he cannot cast everyone. Samuels's Zach is part hard-ass and part compassionate, humane colleague. He needs to balance his feel for those dancers before him with reality. Samuels's facial expression evidences conflict and accompanying feeling. In all, this fine actor brings a deeply felt performance.

as Diana, Mikaela Secada delivers an evening highlight as she leads the company in the now classic song, "What I Did for Love." She sings sweetly, incorporating both heart and power. Her moving rendition supports a contention that A Chorus Line is multi-dimensional, even if its plot involves youthful dancers primarily searching for a break, looking for a job.

This much is for certain: the entire company lights up the old opera house several times, none more resplendent and genuinely joyful than the glittering finale, a reprise of "One."

A Chorus Line runs through November 2, 2025, at Goodspeed Musicals, 6 Main St., East Haddam CT. For tickets and information, please call 860-873-8668 or visit goodspeed.org.