When I Get My Name In Lights

As the title may suggest, this concert was a musical journey taking us from the early auditions through to finally getting your name in lights and what an exciting journey it was.

The cast of around 90 youngsters aging from 8 years old to early 20’s burst on to the stage with ‘I Hope I Get It’ from Chorus Line and the carefully chosen musical numbers  from then on were  inspiring and delivered in style.

More than 30 of the cast were given solo/ensemble numbers and the standard of singing was amazing. Some very difficult numbers were put across with strength and confidence demonstrating the versatility and star quality of this group.  Moving forward from the auditions we encountered the ups and downs of show business before achieving success. With so many talented young people it is almost unfair to single out any individual or any number but "A Beat Behind" form ‘The Goodbye Girl’, "5th From the Right", "Welcome To The Theatre" from ‘Applause', ’‘You’re Nothing Without Me" from ‘City of Angels’, "Just Keep Moving The Line" from ‘Smash’ and "Show Off" from the ‘Drowsy Chaperone’ were among my favourites but in truth each number was a hit.

The choreography too was very slick and all of these young people oozed energy and enthusiasm. I loved "One Singular Sensation". Even if some of the younger ones didn’t always get it right they gave it their all and the joy on their faces was delightful. It was obvious that everyone on stage was having a ball and to me that is what it is all about.

The production team did a wonderful job with this cast and the musical arrangements were excellent. The number "Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork" perhaps sums up the success of this production.

As always "Beautiful Dreamer" rounded off this fabulous evening and no matter how often I hear and watch the sincerity with which these youngsters sing it still brings a lump to my throat.

Some imaginative lighting and colourful costumes all enhanced the production.

I know that many youngsters from this company have gone on to study musical theatre and I’m sure that ,judging from the standard of tonight’s performers, many more will indeed go on to ‘Get Their Name In Lights’

Very well done L.Y.

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