Out of Line : Individuals shine, but Saddleback cast lacks kick as a ‘Chorus Line.’

As a musical, Michael Bennett’s “A Chorus Line” breaks a lot of rules.

There is no plot except the anticipation of who might make the cut into the final chorus and the question of whether ex-chorine Cassie might reunite with choreographer Zach.

There isn’t a leading role, either, unless you accept them dancing feet as the star.

It can still be a lot of fun. Often its pieces are better than its whole. That’s the case with Saddleback Civic Light Opera’s revival at the McKinney Theatre.

The production is directed and, as the program says, restaged by Martie Ramm. The biggest problem is that Ramm doesn’t worry much about synchronization in the dance numbers once the chorus hopefuls get past learning the dance combinations.

Broadway dancers would be working like clockwork after a couple of run-throughs. The sloppiness is extra apparent in the reprise of “One,” the show’s big finale, when the whole company enters in glittering gold costumes to knock the socks off the audience with spectacular precision. In this production, the socks stay firmly in place.

Ramm also hasn’t helped Cassie much in her solo dance number, “The Music and the Mirror.” It’s a trap for most dancers, especially so here.

As Cassie, Jill K. Harper gives a fine, laid-back performance, contained enough for Cassie’s frustration at a failing career after being elevated from the chorus to feature status in two shows.

Harper also plays the right notes in Cassie’s unease at auditioning for Zach after he has ditched her. Harper has the best voice in the show. But she’s unable to overcome the simplistic choreography in her dance solo, mostly looking as though she’s concentrating on what step comes next. The tricks and gimmicks Ramm gives her to stand out at the rehearsals remain just tricks and gimmicks.

Other than the watered-down choreography, Ramm handles the dramatic moments with ease. Most of the company members have a chance to shine in their bits, and some are outstanding.

*

Jesse Swimm is phenomenal as the kid who, at age 4, followed his sister to dance class and found a career. His “I Can Do That” is a performance skyrocket. Jennifer Farrell also stands out as buxom, slinky Sheila who, with Melanie Baptista as Bebe and Kimberly Austin as Maggie, makes “At the Ballet” a highlight.

As Bobby, the New England preppy who can’t grow out of the image, Dave Larson is excellent. Jill Lewis as Val is a knockout in the bittersweet “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three,” and Blane Savage is properly savage as egocentric choreographer Zach.

The most successful moment in this staging belongs to Ray Rochelle as Paul, who--without a note of music--stands alone to tell Zach about growing up Puerto Rican and finding his first break in a drag show. It’s the best piece of writing in the show--collected from taped interviews with real dancers--and Rochelle is heartbreaking.

BE THERE

“A Chorus Line,” McKinney Theatre, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Wednesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 3 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. Ends Aug. 17. $19. (714) 582-4656. Running time: 2 hours.