There are but two kinds of jobs in this world.
For some jobs the reward is a paycheck.
And then there are jobs whose reward has little to nothing to do with how well you are paid.
Michael Bennett's "A Chorus Line" is about the second type.
Over two intermission-free hours an ensemble of Broadway dancers use songs, dance and dialogue to talk about their lives and their passion for the work they do.
Nearly a quarter century has passed since Bennett's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical debuted on Broadway.
But the national touring production now playing at Heinz Hall through Sunday as a presentation of the PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh series remains as timely, honest and moving as it was when it debuted on Broadway in 1975.
Much credit goes to composer Marvin Hamlish and lyricist Edward Kleban who wrote the score and James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante for the book.
From its opening "I Hope I Get It" to "What I Did For Love" near the end, it clearly shows the emotions and the stakes experienced by dancers as they vie for the eight roles that would give them not just a job but the chance to do the work that defines and sustains them.
BaayorkLee's restaging of Bennett and Bob Avian's original choreography seems somewhat simplified. But scenic designer Robin Wagner's mirrored backdrops, Theoni V. Aldredge's costume designs and Tharon Musser's adaptations of Natasha Katz's lighting designs pack plenty of punch and pizzazz into the proceedings.
But the beating heart of the show remains where it should be -- in the actions, expressions, voices and movement of the 30 performers who bring the show and its individual characters to life.
When necessary, as in the finale number "One," they ably dance together as a precise ensemble in which no individual draws focus.
But as core performers step forward to tell their stories in audition, each one becomes a distinct, real person.
As in a real audition not all of them are outstanding performers.
But Kevin Santos' Paul, Shannon Lewis' Sheila and Robin Hurder's Cassie excel with memorable portrayals.
Their drive and desire should resonate with anyone whose work is their passion, even if it doesn't come with a satin suit and a gold top hat.
Additional Information:'A Chorus Line'
Presented by : PNC Broadway Across America ⢠Pittsburgh
When : Continues through Sunday with performances at 7:30 Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Admission : $20.50-$62.
Where : Heinz Hall, Sixth Street at Penn Avenue, Downtown.
Details : 412-392-4900 or www.pgharts.org
