A Chorus Line

I have always loved A Chorus Line but had had problems trying to find another person who loves it like me to go with.  Imagine my surprise when my Dad suggested he go with me!  I knew he loves strictly but never imagined he would love a musical.

We had eaten a lovely lunch at J Sheekeys’ Oyster bar before going to a matinee performance.  I had not been to the Palladium for many many years and had forgotten what a beautiful theatre it is.

I was surprised there was not more merchandise on sale but they had programmes, mugs, key rings, t shirts and a sweat shirt.

We had great seats (second row of the stalls) and took them just before the performance started. The theatre was packed out so there must be other people like me who love A Chorus Line.  I saw no indication that there is a recession on – or perhaps a good show will always pull the crowd?

But would it live up to my rather high expectations?  It did! It was amazing.  I felt like I was living that audition with them.  I cried when it was sad and I laughed when it was funny.  ‘Sheila’ has the best line in the show – ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ ‘Young!’

I love how each person really gave a good acting, singing and dancing performance.  It is hard to be an ‘all-rounder’ but the person who recruited this group of actors and dancers did good! Even my Dad was impressed and he is notoriously hard to please!

It is hard to pick one outstanding performance as every actor was perfect and I personally loved how they start off not being co-ordinated as they learn the steps through to being dazzling at the final curtain.

To me, the shows meaning says that a chorus line is never ‘just’ a chorus line. Every person in it has personality and issues.  It shows the very human side of show-business and what a difficult emotional process auditioning is.

The show is a very uplifting one and I left the theatre singing and wanting to kick my legs all through Leicester Square.  This is not just a show for ‘luvvies’ – it is a show for anyone who loves a ‘people’ show!  Go and see it – and if you need someone to go with, I’m available!