Kingston Meistersingers Put It All on the (Chorus) Line
Few musicals capture the highs and lows of being a performer quite like Michael Bennett’s A Chorus Line. Set during a grueling Broadway audition, the show follows a group of dancers fighting for a coveted spot in the titular chorus line. Instead of a typical audition, the dancers are pushed beyond their resumes, answering deeply personal questions about their lives, dreams, and struggles. Through monologues and musical numbers, each dancer reveals what led them to the stage, exploring themes of ambition, self-doubt, and resilience.
Bringing a large ensemble show like A Chorus Line to the stage is no small feat. It demands performers who can sing, dance, and deliver raw, heartfelt emotion while executing tightly synchronized choreography. Kingston Meistersingers, under the direction of Emily McKenzie, takes on the challenge with heart and dedication, though the production doesn’t meet the high bar the show sets for itself.
There are standout performances which do elevate the production. Rowan Engen as Al, Rachel Savlov as Maggie, and Stephanie Rose playing Sheila impress with strong vocals, confident dancing, and compelling character work. At the Ballet, performed by Savlov, Rose, and Kaelin Grassie (playing Bebe), is a highlight. The song features gorgeous harmonies and a soaring final note from Savlov that earned roaring applause. Patrick Large brings depth to his role as Zach, the Director/Choreographer, grounding the production with an authoritative yet empathetic presence. The live band, led by Kelli Caravan, also adds life and vibrancy to the musical performances.
However, the biggest challenge for any production of A Chorus Line is the choreography. Unfortunately, some cast members are stronger dancers than others, making it difficult for the ensemble to stay in sync. The finale, One: Reprise, is meant to be a dazzling culmination of the audition process. While the ensemble worked hard to bring this vision to life, it felt chaotic. Performers missed cues, choreography was off time, and crowded staging resulted in actors physically colliding, which broke the illusion of a polished final performance by highly trained dancers.
Vocally, the show had moments of brilliance alongside some challenges. Opening-night nerves may have contributed to pitch inconsistencies, but the potential for growth is clear. Engen and Maria Kapoglis (playing Kristine) deliver confident, controlled vocals in Sing! and Dance: Ten, Looks: Three, respectively, while Maddy Palmer as Cassie, Syd Chinnick as Diana, and Marcin Mazur Rusak playing Paul take on some of the show’s most emotionally demanding solos. Though it is clear that Palmer is a vocal powerhouse, and Chinnick & Mazur’s commitment to their character’s vulnerability is evident, all faced moments of vocal strain. As the run continues, these performances will likely settle into a more natural rhythm, allowing their emotional depth to shine without compromising vocal control.
Despite these challenges, the production is full of heart. The cast’s energy and enthusiasm carry throughout, with well-played comedic moments and a genuine sense of joy on stage. A Chorus Line is a show about perseverance—about fighting to be seen and valued as a performer. That theme resonates deeply in Kingston, where limited resources and shrinking opportunities make creating theatre an act of determination, bordering on defiance. The Kingston Meistersingers embody that spirit by taking on ambitious projects, learning, growing, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. While not every element came together perfectly, each show is a step forward, demonstrating the resilience at the heart of A Chorus Line.
Kingston Meistersingers’ ‘A Chorus Line’ runs at Domino Theatre until Sunday, April 6, 2025. Tickets and more information can be found here.
