'A Chorus Line' at Montclair State University is a singular sensation

BY LORI SENDER

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

THE MAYBE CHRONICLES

One, singular sensation is going on at Montclair State University in this Broadway-caliber performance of “A Chorus Line,” staring 17 tremendously talented college kids, dance moves and voices to go head to head with any of those of the original cast members on Broadway from the 70’s and 80’s. These kids transform right in front of you into an authentic chorus line with all the angst, wishful thinking and heartbreaking insecurity that goes on in the brutally-competitive, audition rat race of NYC.

OK, so this is the thing, we all complain (well maybe it’s just me) about the prohibitive cost of a Broadway show, let alone for a family, but at $15.00 a ticket, you can bring along the entire family, including a middle-schooler and his friend. I did, and although I could sing every word of the score and my son probably was hearing it for the first time, he got it. He underestood the quality of a Marvin Hamlisch musical. Talk about cultural arts for a 12-year-old boy.

My husband and I also loved the energy of the audience who at times were rooting and clapping for their classmates (though they too seemed to realize how exceptional the talent was and mostly remained quiet and respectful, if not full-out awe inspired). You simply couldn’t help getting caught up in all the bravissimo, so there we were screaming like everyone else during the standing ovation. Heck we even stayed after the show, watching the kids receive bouquets and hugs, and simply basking in their youthful enthusiasm.

Where: Memorial Auditorium at Montclair State University

When: Thursday Oct 20th @ 7:30 p.m.; Friday Oct 21st @ 7:30 p.m.; Saturday Oct 22nd @ 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sunday Oct 23rd @ 2:00 p.m. - Tuesday Oct 25th @ 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Oct 26th @ 7:30 p.m. Thursday Oct 27th @ 7:30 p.m. Saturday Oct 29th @ 8:00 p.m. Sunday Oct 30th @ 2:00 p.m.