There are several excellent books on the market about the theatrical phenomenon that is A CHORUS LINE but the most fascinating and comprehensive is a beautiful coffee table edition called THE LONGEST LINE by Gary Stevens and Alan George. Performers themselves (Alan appeared for three seasons with NYC Opera and Gary was in the original Broadway cast of Sondheim's MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG), the two devotees of "ACL" turned their passion for their favourite musical into positive action by penning this lavish tome, which is now in its 14th printing, and raising money for a commemorative plaque to be permanently installed at the Shubert Theatre. I have long treasured my own copy of THE LONGEST LINE but when Gary and Alan turned up at the Palace Theatre stage door in London last year full of effusive charm and praise after a performance of PRISCILLA I didn't immediately make the connection. Thankfully we had exchanged addresses so once the penny dropped I was able to write and congratulate them on their spectacular achievement. We stayed in touch and last Saturday night the boys kindly invited us to their dream home for a splendiferous dinner, rare video footage and riotous conversation. Their magnificent waterfront apartment is a shrine to their beloved "ACL" with all sorts of spectacular memorabilia on every surface, including a door which they brought with them from their previous Manhattan abode because it had been signed by cast members many and varied including our own David Whitney (Zach in the Australian revival company).
We are thrilled to have such wonderful and talented new friends in our lives.
(from left: Alan, Gary, Sheldy & TT)
No comments:
Post a Comment