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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 20 February 2005 |
Review by Laura Balson of Jill Halfpenny in Chicago (19th February
2005)
The best day of my life:
Having read many great things about Chicago, I always knew the 19th of
February was going to be amazing, little did I know it would be the best day of
my life. Sitting in my seat before the performance I had butterflies, I was
nervous for Jill, I wanted her to be brilliant. But she went way beyond that. I
did a double take as she ran onto the stage hand-in-hand with Fred Casely, I couldn't
believe the tiny skirt, black thong and impeccable American accent was
Jill...... was it?
But it was, my hero stood on that stage, one tiny person with the world at
her feet. The audience, especially me were captivated all the way through by her
mesmerising performance. Despite a costume mishap she carried on like a star,
and as she did a final cartwheel across the stage the theatre erupted with applause.
Anna Jane Casey was having a slightly bad day, mixing up a number of lines
and not looking brilliant, but Jill really stole the show. Her solo, 'My Baby'
had the audience in stitches, and 'My own best friend' had us close to tears.
Waiting backstage after the performance I felt my lunch travel up my throat,
and a whole colony of butterflies bouncing around in my stomach. 'Alright
Jill?' asked Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale, EE), but I hadn't even noticed when
he walked past! 'Yeh, alright?' replied Jill. I collapsed against the wall. 'Hi,
how are you? Did you enjoy the show?' she asked me, but I had no voice. She
signed my program, gave me a hug and my Mum took a picture of us together. I ran
outside in tears, it felt like a dream.
I'll never forget that day, but I wish I had been able to speak. I will
probably never meet her again, my hero, my inspiration, my star, but she did me
proud. Well done Jill, your amazing talent is never ending, and I hope that in
the future someone makes your dreams come true, just like you have mine.
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