Ernest Goes to the Theatre: A Chorus Line - Park Square Theatre

A Chorus Line
Program cover

Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett

Review by Ernest Edwards

Park Square has a hit on their hands with their production of A Chorus Line. The stars aligned perfectly for this production. Park Square Theatre is celebrating their 50th Anniversary season, and it’s been 50 years since A Chorus Line appeared on Broadway. The original production of A Chorus Line was at one time the longest running production on Broadway. This is a high energy production that starts strong and doesn’t stop. The audience was living for every moment at opening night.

The musical has wonderful memorable songs with music by Marvin Hamlisch, and lyrics by Edward Kleban. This production is directed by Stephen DiMenna, with the original Michael Bennet choreography recreated by Associate Director/Choreographer Eddie Gutierrez who is a representative of the Michael Bennet Estate. With this cast, along with the music, and the original choreography makes for a unique, wonderful, and magical experience.

Something else to note with this production, is Park Square kept A Chorus Line in the 1970’s. There’s no introduction of cell phones, tablets nor modern cultural references. Which is simply perfect.

If you are not familiar with the musical. I’m sure you are familiar with the song “One” from the musical. A

The stage, before the musical begins

Chorus Line is about a new Broadway show that is being created, and they are hosting an audition for dancers to be part of the chorus. (We would call that the ensemble today.) Director/Choreographer Zach, played by Tyler Michaels King, is trying to get to know these dancers. He doesn’t just want to see their resume and their talent, but wants to get know the person too. This show is about getting a job, having a paycheck. All the hard work, determination, talent and persistence that it takes to get cast.

This production is perfect for the Twin Cities theatre scene. We have so much talent in the Twin Cities, and Park Square Theatre has so many of those triple threats all gathered for A Chorus Line. A triple threat is a person who can act, sing and dance. Camryn Buelow embodies Sheila. For opening night we had understudy Anna Novak as Cassie. Her Cassie was flawless. Marley Ritchie as Diana does gives a great rendition of “What I Did For Love”. Steven Rada as Paul was one of my favorite actors and characters in the musical. So much wonderful talent. I could go on forever talking about the each and every cast member. They all have their moment to shine.

I will give one spoiler alert, which is really not specific to Park Square, but to A Chorus Line as a whole. I only know this from seeing different productions over the years. I remember being surprised by this the first time I had seen a production of A Chorus Line. There is no formal curtain call. The last song, “One Respise/Finale” has recognition for each cast member incorporated into the dance number. Once that song/dance number is over, the house lights come up and the show is over. That is such a great way to close out this musical. What a number “One Reprise/Finale” is. I almost wish that song/dance number could be on repeat.

It’s probably a mix of the music and the story. This is one of my favorite musicals to see live on stage. I was getting a bit choked up by the end of the show. The cast! The Choreography! The songs! There is a lot of excellent theatre in the Twin Cities. This show is one of them. It’s definitely at the top of the list. I may have to go see it again. It’s that good!!!

A Chorus Line runs through June 14, 2026. Don’t walk, run to get tickets. Tickets are available at www.parksquaretheatre.org When you go see the show, check out the costume designs, scenic designs and a history of A Chorus Line displays in the lobby of the Park Square Theatre.

Park Square has had a pretty amazing season celebrating their 50th Anniversary season. Although there is one more show left of the season this summer, A Chorus Line is the cherry on top of a wonderful dessert.

A nice surprise on the back of the program is the season announcement for Park Square’s 2026/2027