Broadway Classic Still Has A Kick

I first saw "A Chorus Line" on Broadway when I was nine years old and loved it - the music, the lyrics, the choreography. Happily, the revival now playing at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is exactly as I remember and just as terrific.

There's still a '70s vibe to Michael Bennett's brainchild, but it makes no difference in the end. Under the direction of Bob Avian, the show's 33-year-old lyrics continue to be fresh and relevant. The story line is relatable to anyone pursuing a dream and sympathetic for everyone else. And the music, which reflects the past decade more than any other part of the show, is uplifting and moving.

With his music and choreography, Bennett set a foundation that would stand the test of time in theater. But it's the personalities of his characters that have made the show timeless.

Seventeen dancers audition for a Broadway chorus line in 1975. The director, Zach (Sebastian La Cause), wants to know who these people are behind the numbers they've been assigned. One by one, they reveal their ambitions, insecurities and the events that brought them to this moment. Some of their histories are funny and charming, while others are simply heartbreaking. With Zach, the audience learns that as different as they are, these performers all share a love of dance.

As Diana, Gabrielle Ruiz expressed a palpable bittersweetness in the number "Nothing." Kevin Santos told Paul's story with gut-wrenching honesty and emotion. Mindy Dougherty, as the sassy, perky Val, gave a big thumb's up for plastic surgery in "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three." She was delightful. But, then, they all were.

Bennett's original choreography and Baayork Lee's re-staging culminated in the final act. The past paved the way for a cast dressed in gold lame and top hats, belting out "One" and kicking to high heaven.

The nine-year-old in me clapped the loudest.

Today's Birthdays

Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor is 92. Actor Rip Torn is 78. Former NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw is 69. Singer Natalie Cole is 59. Rock singer Axl Rose (Guns N' Roses) is 47.

Source: The Associated Press

THEATER REVIEW

A Chorus Line

WHEN: Through Feb. 8; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Carol Morsani Hall, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa

HOW MUCH: $48.50 to $82.50; (813) 222-1001; www.tbpac.org