Lindsey McAlister's creative interlude from working with children has become a welcome part of the arts calendar.

After superb productions of Sweeney Todd and Blood Brothers, she didn't disappoint with A Chorus Line, adapted from Michael Bennett's stage version and Richard Attenborough's film.

The stage was set for the Broadway audition of chorus gypsies. But the line-up facing director Zach - played by dancer, singer and musician Amuer Calderon - was required to do more than show off song and dance skills. He pries into their personal lives, giving them the chance to reveal the desperate drive behind many a showbiz dream.

It's a poignant tale for this cast, mainly adults working in the arts. But with few opportunities to perform professionally in Hong Kong, most are normally to be found in the education or corporate ends of the business.

Between them, they displayed enormous talent. Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts graduate Rex Chiu, as Richie - with bags of personality and feline in his movement - was among the best, with his delivery of Surprise.

Tiny Tommy Tse, a full-time accountant, won hearts as the gay Paul. Elissa Rosati, a freelance teacher, performer, choreographer and director, appeared in the original film. She brought great attitude as the sharp-tongued Sheila.

The raw energy of Chan Cho-kin, lead of Youth Arts Festival shows Grease and Footloose, was under-used as Zach's assistant, Larry. He and ballet teacher Catherine Treyvaud created comic delight in their duet Sing. Many more could be mentioned as they each briefly held the spotlight.

The drama is driven by dream-maker and breaker Zach. But Calderon lacked that menacing power. His relationship with faded starlet Cassie (Lorea Solabarrieta) and the moral dilemma he faced in picking her failed to convince.

However, this was a highly polished production, thanks to McAlister and her talented team, including choreographer Jun Mabaquiao and musical director Scott Gibson. McAlister is always mindful of where she works. A Chorus Line came with a local spin, the characters adapted to the mainly Asian cast. In the finale, Broadway met Suzie Wong in a clever oriental twist.