'A Chorus Line' delivers top-notch performances

AURORA – Despite the snow and brutally cold temperatures, more than half of Aurora's Paramount Theatre was full and excited after witnessing the tremendous third Broadway show in Paramount's first ever four-show, in-house Broadway series.

The entire cast of "A Chorus Line" played true to the original, with breathtaking performances by Nicole Hren (Val) and Tommy Bracco (Mike), just to name a couple.

Speaking with director Mitzi Hamilton after the show, she said she was quite proud of how opening night turned out, even with having to start about 20 minutes late because of the snow – a few actors even were late getting to the theater.

Coming from someone who isn't exactly a theater-going veteran, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of professionalism in Paramount's production.

I was accompanied by someone who had seen various versions of the classic Michael Bennett musical over the years and she made a point of saying that this version exceeded her expectations.

But that's no surprise – the play's director played the character Val in "A Chorus Line" on Broadway for nearly 10 years. It's because of her expertise in the role that Hren really stood out, especially during her solo number, "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three." The hilariously charming song received one of the loudest ovations of the night.

Another highlight was Casie's "The Music And The Mirror," a number that features a tremendous dance routine from actress Jessica Lee Goldyn. She'll be featured as a dancer in (at least) the pilot episode of the much-anticipated NBC musical drama airing the Monday after the SuperBowl.

There were plenty of other extraordinary performances that are too plentiful to list here in this space. If you're looking for something to do out here in the western suburbs, take the quick drive down to Aurora to witness a Broadway-caliber show, without having to travel too far.

From start to finish, Paramount's "A Chorus Line" is a funny, amazing journey through the lives of performers all trying to make it in a sometimes brutally harsh business.

And the finale, well, is something you'll have to see in person to believe how amazing it really is.