On March 12th I went along to the Palladium in London to see one of the most famous Broadway musicals ever, A Chorus Line, for a birthday treat. I didn't know at the time how much it had impacted this world that I want to be a part of so badly, or how badly it would affect me.
You see I don't like to research a show before seeing it, I like to go in completely oblivious so I can experience it all fresh.
That morning was my audition which ended with "That's all we need." So it's safe to say knowing what everyone does, that A Chorus Line is about an audition, I was a little hesitant to go.
I'm so glad I did!
I will say straight off that I think it's quite a high brow show and one aimed more at performers. Let me explain. I had your stereotypical general public and non frequent show seer sat next to me, and she was bored out of her mind. (She was also incredibly rude and had no consideration for the people around her, whispering, rustling crisp packets very, very loudly in the middle of emotional scenes... I got angry!) She thought it dragged, and though I do not excuse her actions at all, I can see where she was coming from.
A Chorus Line follows an open audition for chorus line dancers. (The title kind of hints that right!?) The stage is empty other than the mirrors at the back and a white line. There are no costume changes, no set pieces, just an empty stage. For someone who wants, let's say the spectacle of Wicked, this is not going to be their thing. It focuses completely on the stories of performers. What we go through on a daily basis to do the thing we love.
That's why I think it's a performers show. We can one hundred percent relate to everything said, it makes you laugh at the experiences you've had and cry when it hits a nerve.
That doesn't mean non performers won't enjoy it, you just have to be open to it. I mean peoples stories are interesting, their heartbreaking, funny, relatable even if you don't perform. The songs are weaved in with dialogue creating this wonderful flow to the story that never seems to stop, you just dance (pun intended, as well as they literally dance) from one section to the next hanging on their every word. The dances are flawless and by the time the finale comes around you are elated to see the dance finally come together.
I got goosebumps, I cried, I laughed. A lot more than I expected to actually. The show is incredibly funny!
Most of the shows I've seen have left me wanting to go back again, and this was definitely the same. I am still thinking about those characters and their stories a week later. Still singing the songs and still wanting to learn the dances. It may have been because the story was so incredibly linked to my life that day that makes it stick in my mind so much, but I get the feeling that it would have done anyway. Especially the incredible song 'What I did for Love' that I think everyone can relate to.
I also want to quickly mention the character of Paul. I won't spoil his story but it is so real, and heartbreaking and it hit me hard! I was crying like a baby, it's safe to say the actor really impressed me although to be honest they all did.
So to sum up; don't go to A Chorus line with a closed mind looking for a big showy Broadway musical. Do go expecting incredible heart wrenching stories, uplifting songs and spectacular dances!
Wish me luck, the same to you!
Annabelle
xoxo
No comments:
Post a Comment