Dancers in 'Chorus Line' kick up positive vibes

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The beauty of the hit musical "A Chorus Line" is that it celebrates the ordinary person over the star.

Focusing solely on an audition for a Broadway show, the musical lets us get to know each of the performers trying out to be backup dancers. By the end of the production, we realize that every one of them is special.

Modesto Performing Arts' production, which opens its 42nd summer season, is the kind of show that leaves you encouraged and feeling better about your own place in the world, no matter how modest it may be.

'A CHORUS LINE'

RATING: Three stars (out of four)

WHERE: Paul F. Tischer Theatre, Modesto High School auditorium, First & H streets

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Through July 26

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours and 10 minutes; no intermission

TICKETS: $23-$25

INFORMATION: www.modestoperformingarts. com

Conceived by Michael Bennett and first performed on Broadway in 1975, the show features catchy music by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban and an engaging book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante. Its initial run garnered Tonys and a Pulitzer Prize and led to a 1985 movie version starring Michael Douglas. The 2006 Broadway revival garnered a Tony nomination.

Director Paul Tischer's cast is young, lively and full of spunk. They expertly perform Debbie Holtzclaw's demanding choreography with smiles.

Mick Bleyer, who plays the director, Zach, is alternately strict and kind with the performers auditioning for his show. He prods them to share their secret joys and heartaches so he can get to know their personalities better.

He has great chemistry with Anna Ty Bergman, who plays his former lover and fading star Cassie. Bergman displays strong vocal and dance skills and shines in her showcase number, "The Music and the Mirror."

Bergman and and Bleyer are the only nonlocals in the cast (they're based in New York) and both are Actors Equity Association members.

Colton Pometta contributes a moving, sweet performance as Paul, who shares his early experiences working at a drag club and fighting prejudice over his homosexuality. He brought tears to my eyes during a monologue about disappointing his parents.

Jennifer Simpson is delightfully frank as Val, who proudly sings of visiting a plastic surgeon in the song "Dance: Ten, Looks: Three." Tiffany Davis, who looks a bit like a tall Paris Hilton, is funny as bored, seen-it-all, done-it-all Sheila. Melissa Riner shows increasing maturity and confidence as Diana, who sings the hilarious song "Nothing" about a bad acting class.

Louis performs some attention-getting acrobatics and gets his soul groove on as Richi. Justin Tate, a former principal dancer at Modesto's Central West Ballet, demonstrates that he is a wonderful singer, too, as Mark.

Costume designer Gini Vyborney fittingly dresses the cast in leotards and exercise wear. They perform in front of a simple set designed by Tischer that includes wall mirrors and an exercise barre.

The band, led by musical director Darrel Lingenfelter, is competent but occasionally overpowers the singers. A more troublesome problem is the screeching and hissing mikes that plagued the beginning of Sunday's opening performance. And some of the singers need to work on their intonation.

But none of this detracts from the show's powerful message about the importance of being true to yourself. The show celebrates following one's dreams wherever they lead.

Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan can be reached at lmillegan@modbee.com or 578-2313.