A CHORUS LINE Adelaide Festival Centre Trust Adelaide Festival Theatre Until 28 Jan 2012 Review by Jamie Wright Winner of a stack of awards and one-time holder of the title of longest-running show on Broadway, 'A Chorus Line' has a simple premise: performers on an almost-bare theatre stage are competing for eight chorus parts in a Broadway musical. The realisation, though, is a little more complex as we are taken into their lives and given a glimpse of the inner workings of the often harsh world of professional theatre. Original cast member Baayork Lee, working from Michael Bennett's original direction and choreography, places heavy emphasis on the song-and-dance aspects of the show. It is, of course, a very dance-heavy show, and – as you'd expect of a professional production – the standard in this area is very high; the ensemble numbers are truly excellent, with every move in synch. This impeccable standard doesn't continue – as consistently at least – into the more dramatic aspects of the show, where the characters talk (and/or sing) about their lives; the characterisation is simply not as strong as the dancing. There's also the issue of the American accents, which don't match the geographical diversity of their characters. Standouts are Debora Krizak as the tough-as-nails Sheila and a captivating Euan Doidge as Paul. Anita Louise Combe seems a little distant as Cassie, but her solo dance number in 'The Music and the Mirror' is superb. Leah Lim is a bundle of energy as Connie and Sian Johnson hilariously off-key as the tone-deaf Kristine. There's barely any set, so much use is made of lighting (realised by Gavan Swift, based on Tharon Musser's original design), and the precision of the follow spots used throughout is exceptional. Musical director Paul White has an energetic Adelaide Art Orchestra combine well with the singers, though some microphone and mixing issues mean that, on a few occasions, the lyrics can't be heard over the music. But these few minor issues do not overly detract from the production, and the result is a very enjoyable, faithful recreation of a classic show, mixing together great songs, excellent choreography, warmth, humour and an understanding of the lives of those choosing a career in the performing arts.