Tonight was the final performance of A CHORUS LINE (aka Charlotte's final)

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:10am

I was lucky enough to score Row E Orchestra seats for tonight's final performance of A CHORUS LINE. (yes, I know the real last performance is next Sunday, August 17th, but as long as Charlotte has left the show, it is closed in my mind)

Tonight was the fifth time I had seen the show, and Charlotte was brilliant as Cassie every single time...tonight, she was even better. Her "Music and the Mirror" was spectacular. Her dancing, her acting, and yes, even her singing were all spot on tonight. Her scene with Mario Lopez later on in the show was incredible. Her acting was flawless. Also, for a 44 year old woman, she looked f***ing hot in that red dress. Wow...her dancing throughout the years has really kept her in amazing shape.

The Charlotte fans were out in full force tonight...there was applause during her line readings and every dance move in "Music and the Mirror" got applause. It even got a partial standing ovation in the orchestra, including me and my two friends I went with...and well deserved too!

In fact, this was the most enthusiastic audience I had seen since previews back in September 2006. Tons and tons of applause for every song, every recognizable line...it was truly a magical evening and I am glad to have witnessed it firsthand.

Thank you, Charlotte, for giving us two years of your brilliant Cassie in ACL and wowing audiences multiple times a week. Can't wait to see you again on stage very soon (even if it is in CHICAGO).

Updated On: 8/11/08 at 12:10 AM

[TBone]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:21am

I was also there tonight and agree with you - Charlotte was pretty amazing. I was pretty surprised by how responsive the audience was tonight. It was a great evening!

[kikki327]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:24am

Today was also the final performance of Jessica Lee Goldyn, who played Val perfectly. I saw today's matinee, and it was unbelievable. It was my 3rd time seeing the show, and I have never been so moved by it, or any show for that matter. Jessica gave it her all, and I was captivated by her performance. She put 110% into every step, turn and kick. Tits and Ass was the best ive ever seen it. During What I Did For Love she started to tear up, as did most of the original cast members. By the second verse I was sobbing too! I will always remember that scene, watching those dancers singing not as characters, but as themselves. One of the best theatre performances ive ever seen.

[winter_sky]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:26am

It was Jessica's final performance as Val, not in the company. She is playing Cassie all week!

[kikki327]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:28am

REALLY?!?!?!?! now im pissed! if i had known that i would have gone this week!

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:30am

Thank you so much for those reviews! I would have LOVED to have been there!

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:31am

Yes, Jessica's Val tonight was perfect. I did not care for her Val in early previews, but she has grown and improved SO MUCH in two years. "Dance Ten, Looks Three" was excellent tonight. I'm glad I got to see her last performance as Val. I do not think she will make a good Cassie though...I'm sure we'll get some reports next week.

[winter_sky]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:34am

Mhm. She's a fantastic Cassie and I only saw her 3rd performance. I can't even imagine how fantastic she will be....um, on Sunday? haha

I will miss her Val though. Jennifer Foote is playing Val this week and after seeing her Sheila, I was a bit nervous but she's definitely better as Val.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:44am

I was there as well, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Charlotte and the rest of the cast were on fire tonight. I can't believe what good shape the show is in.

Charlotte received much deserved applause at every kick, bend and twirl during Music and the Mirror. Her two scenes with Mario were INCREDIBLE!!! The emotion and intensity Charlotte brought to the role was beyond belief. She was crying during What I Did For Love and I couldn't help but tear up too. I thank her from the bottom of my heart for such a special day at the theater.

A few others deserve some special mention. Jessica was honed the character of Val so perfectly. Each line is delivered with excellent comic timing. Her monologue before Dance Ten Looks Three was a riot, especially when Deidre says "They're not that big," and Jessica keeps facing front and says "I heard that, you b****!"

And speaking of Deidre. Damn. This woman is brilliant. At The Ballet was wonderful, and each barb was dead one. If Never Gonna Dance and this are any indication of this woman's talent, then we haven't seen anything yet!!

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:45am

I love that you mentioned NEVER GONNA DANCE!

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 12:50am

Lol See now i looked upon to night as their Opening now that dreadful D'amboise is gone.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 1:10am

Let's keep this thread positive please...

[StageManager2]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 1:17am

I saw this revival back in '06. It was a nice introduction to the show, having not been familiar with it. Well, I saw the movie a long time ago (as a wee kid) but can barely recall. I plan on catching the tour when it arrives in Boston next month.

[winter_sky]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 1:23am

I'm not a fan of Charlotte either but this isn't exactly the best place to bash her. She was not my favorite Cassie but she definitely seemed to always be putting her all into it.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 2:21am

I'm glad to hear she went out with a bang (I don't count this the final performance though), even though I still don't like her singing (She was WAY better live than on the CD), she did give a pretty good performance the night I saw her.

That said, don't discount Jessica Lee Goldyn, I encourage you to go see her as well.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 3:41am

I loved it!!! Im glad we all got to seat together! Charlotte is a force of nature, she really gave a master class tonight.

Updated On: 8/11/08 at 03:41 AM

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 4:57am

"... now that dreadful D'amboise is gone."

Well, that dreadful D'amboise has to be one of the most dedicated performers I know of. Before this, she was in Chicago (a show she also was with forever) while being the standby for Charity in Sweet Charity. Kudos to her.

[COOOOLkid]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 8:39am

There's a dedicated performer in this production of ACL?

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 9:34am

Jessica is a fantastic Cassie, but I am sorry to see Charlotte leave.

[GatorNY]

Posted: 8/11/08 at 10:59am

I have seen this production 3 times. Once with Charlotte and twice with someone else as Cassie. I enoyed all of the performances equally. Seeing someone else in the role of Cassie did not detract from my enjoyment of the show at all. I have 2 tickets for the final performance next Sunday. I am really excited about the final show. I moved to NY last fall, so I never knew how "special" a final performance could be."A Chorus Line" was the first cast recording I bought when I was 12, so the show is very special to me. Many thanks to all of the dancers who have brought this show to life over the past 2 years, and to the original dancers...to whom I will always be grateful!

Updated On: 8/11/08 at 10:59 AM