A Chorus Line - Altrincham Garrick

IT’S hard to believe this show is 50 years old. Despite its age, its power to move, amuse, entertain and exhilarate remains as strong as ever thanks to a sumptuous score and a very stirring dance finale that raised the roof at the Garrick on opening night.

While some of the characters may appear a little too American for some, this musical has a huge heart and even Zach, the sergeant major of a musical director has a softer more caring side.

A Chorus Line lifts the lid on a group of dancers desperate to seize their moment in the spotlight and make their dreams of stardom a reality.

Joe Meighan’s production deserves to play to packed houses and yet a contact at the theatre told me on Monday night that not all the tickets have been sold which is a total mystery to me as this is one in a very long line of Meighan productions that re-defines amateur theatre.

The Garrick’s dynamic young artistic director even found time to treat us to a commanding performance as Zach and he’s more than ably supported by Mark Goggins who can add this production of A Chorus Line to a seemingly endless list of musical triumphs.

I also think even Victor Meldrew’s more miserable twin would be humming One Singular Sensation, the show’s most famous number for me, as they drift off into the night.

Then we have one of my favourites At The Ballet, which takes us on the most memorable journeys into the utopian world in the more traditional aspects of the much loved genre. Even a cynical old journalist like me was moved by the dream like quality of this particular scene.

But this isn’t just the Meighan and Goggins show. The entire cast totally immerse themselves in their respective roles and anyone expecting weak performance is sure to be disappointed.

Particularly memorable was Helen Swain as Sheila and Caitlyn Brady certainly earns the audience’s empathy as Zach’s old flame, Cassie. What is particularly exciting is the amount of young talent at the Garrick’s disposal which guarantees a very bright future for the company.

Unmissable, high quality entertainment.

Until September 14. Tickets are available from 0161 928 1677 or you can book online at www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk.

Star rating - 4.5 out of 5.

Photo by Martin Ogden.