I saw the Long Beach production too, several times. The first visit was unusual. It was during the height of the LA Riots (which were making their way into Long Beach), and my now-husband had a single ticket. I dropped him off, and went with him to the Box Office, in case the performance had been cancelled. The attendant told me to go on in, even without a ticket, as nearly no one was there. The Show must go on, I guess. Hubby's ticket was in the balcony, so I sat with him. Just before the curtain, Barry Brown, who was running the LBCLO at the time, came out and asked everyone--by which I mean about fifty of us, total, in the house--to come take seats down in the orchestra. Perhaps because they knew we were diehards to come out, the performers were thrilling. I have seen "Chicago" many times, with many casts, but that night was a stand out.
(And to pass along a little unconfirmed gossip: Neuwirth's choreography at that preview was astounding. When we saw the production again later in the run, several bits had been changed. Rumor is, Prowse was not happy that Neuwirth was getting more press and applause.) |
