A Chorus Line, Sunday Oct. 1

I'm trying to figure out if there was a timing problem -- the show had to end, period, it was running long -- or if the house lights always come up the second the last note is out of their mouths in the grand finale.

I loved the showed and I especially loved and looked forward to the finale, and I so wanted (as did the rest of the audience) to give them a big ovation, probably a standing ovation, but it wasn't to be.

I realize the finale itself is used to take a bow, but I can't believe they didn't keep the music going and bring everyone back onstage for a final bow and a likely standing ovation.

It was so abrupt, really a very disappointing way to end an otherwise excellent show. Bummed me out.

Gosh, I really wish they'd rethink that. It was just too jarring at the end, and as I said, disappointing.

I also wish the finale had been a couple of minutes longer. I would gladly trade some of the stuff in the ultra-long, 12-going-on-13 piece for a couple more minutes at the end.

I think that is the point Bennett was trying to make. That the dancers are still the "unsung heroes" of a show and even though we had the chance to see them as individuals, they are still a line of anonymous people who just keep kicking and kicking and kicking. We've come to learn that each of them has a story, and they audition and fight and starve just to be in the background and not receive the glory the stars or the featured players of a musical receive...

"...or if the house lights always come up the second the last note is out of their mouths in the grand finale..."

If it happened exactly as you have described above then it sounds like there was a mistake. Typically they hold the last note, then continue kicking for a few measures, then the stage lights fade to black, they leave the stage during the blackout, and then the houselights come up.

It happened so fast, whether it was done correctly or not. I stand by my original feelings: I was bummed.. :)

That's the way the show ends. Michael Bennett had at one time stated "leave the audience wanting for more", which obviously the audience does. On another note, however, the ending is symbolic; they don't come out for individual bows after the finale because that is the point of the show ... they are still "faceless" chorus dancers; and in identical costumes, its hard to dintinguish one person from the other.

However, I encourage anyone who wants to give a standing ovation to do so during the final kicks before the lights go out ... this happened at the first preview ... the entire mezzanine gave a standing ovation (obviously, mostly everyone knew that there would be no further curtain call), and it was so exciting to see the cast's reaction to the standing ovation coming from the mezz. While it may seem strange to stand while they are still dancing, it is your only chance to give a standing ovation where the cast will actually notice it!

I agree. They should totally quit if the powers that be don't let them get the Standing Os that every single other performer automatically gets on Broadway.

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The very first versions of ACL even hadn't the reprise of One in it, but ended after the announcment of the dancers, who got the job. So just be grateful..

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I agree... 99% of those coming to see this that don't know it will be dissappointed (like I was), but I guess that's the way it goes.....

"It's great if the standing ovation comes from the mezzanine, but what if you're in the orchestra? I think it'll be too disctracting for those not aware of the lack of curtain call, with some people standing up and those around you getting pissed. And then if you're short, you won't get to see the finale at all!"

I'm not suggesting to stand during the ENTIRE finale, but just during the final kicks, after they have stopped singing. Once a few people stand, the rest of the crowd would probably follow suit. And for those who might get pissed because they couldn't see while someone in front of them stands, they will understand when the house lights come up that indeed the standing ovation could have not taken place at any other time, and then they will think "I should have stood too," and if they come back for a second time, they will probably stand as well. This production deserves a standing ovation ... its one of the best shows on Broadway, so my feeling is stand when you can! And if someone tells you they can't see, tell them to stand up too ... its their only chance cause there won't be any bows or curtain call after this.