"A Chorus Line," the second-to-last show in the 2008-09 Broadway series at the Marcus Center ("Phantom of the Opera" is coming in August), has been a favorite since its inception in 1975. It had a long run on Broadway, won many prizes and is welcomed back with enthusiasm every time it is revived.

The show opens with the auditioning dancers going through the paces for director Zach and his dance captain. They are all working hard to impress Zach because the final decision is his. There are 19 dancers competing for eight parts.

After the run-through of various dance moves, the director lines them up and asks them to talk about themselves individually. Some are very awkward with this process, but little by little we get to know some of them, their backgrounds and the reasons for their decision to pursue dancing as a career. Several of the male dancers are gay and they talk about their struggle with that reality growing up. The most touching story is that of Paul, well told by Brian Knowlton. Another revelation that moved us was Cassie’s, as she went through her dance history and her personal relationship with Zach. Her solo dance was powerful. Robyn Hurder’s passion and athleticism came through, and the use of mirrors was extremely effective. In fact, the reflective backdrop was quite striking throughout the show as it multiplied the images.

We think of dancers as being good when they perform in perfect synchronization, almost like a well-tuned machine. This production, which certainly includes that result, also makes us realize that each of these dancers is an individual with his or her own story and own dreams. We begin to care as they do as to who gets picked and who gets rejected.

It also highlights how much discipline is required to stay on task, to smile (even if you have a headache or muscle pains), to accept the fact that dancing, like athletics, is linked to youth, to be able to go on after many rejections, to give up one’s personal life for one’s career. We see the glitz and the glitter; they live the reality which is not always so dazzling. Some reach their goal but they pay the price.

Several songs of Marvin Hamlisch have outlived the show: "One" and "What I Did for Love." "One" is performed and reprised several times in the show by the entire company. "What I Did for Love" is beautifully rendered by Rebecca Riker, who is joined by a luscious arrangement with the entire cast. It’s amazing how many of these dancers are also formidable singers.

This production runs without an intermission, but one’s interest doesn’t wane. For over two hours we are awed, moved and entertained by the skill of the dancers, the zing of the music and the vigor of the message.