Unlike most people that I know, I had never seen the movie version of this story, and didn't even know much about it. I didn't even know the title song, honestly! And it was pretty evident as soon as the show started that I was in the vast minority. :-)

I went to the show primarily to see Michael Ball on stage, and my second row seat was excellent for that purpose. At that distance, you really feel part of the action, especially as there was an extension of the stage around the orchestra pit, where people would walk or dance (or, in the case of the dog, run!).

I was actually supposed to see the show a few days earlier, but Michael was out sick, so I was able to exchange my ticket. Normally I wouldn't do that (and the woman at the box office tried to convince me the understudy was great), but having travelled a few thousand miles just for him, I really wanted to see him! And it was certainly worth it. I was very impressed! Aside from his amazing singing voice, which I knew about before before, he is just *always* acting while on stage - the way he interacts with the kids, his little interchanges with the chorus during the group numbers - just perfect. And his dancing! :-) "Me Ole' Bamboo" was very well done! All in all, I really, really enjoyed his performance.

One thing I wish I'd been prepared for was the amount of audience participation that went on during this show - I'd never been to a show where people clapped along for the overture, or hissed everytime the bad guy came on stage. The place was full of kids, and they loved it. Just a little note on theatre etiquette though - if you're bringing your kids, please tell them NOT to sing along to every song!

The special effects, as you can imagine, were *fantastic*. When the car flies for the first time, it's really magical. The sets as a whole were very fun and inventive. The rest of the cast was also very good.

My overall verdict was that I really enjoyed it, but I don't think it would ever be one of my favourites. With all its glitz and bright colours, the plot seemed to suffer a bit, and there just wasn't the emotional connection that I get with the shows that I really love. Still, it was an entertaining evening, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again sometime!

I went to the stage door afterwards - my mom is also a really big fan of Michael's, and was so disappointed that she couldn't see him with me, so I asked him to pose for a picture for her. He was very sweet about it - the result is below. :-)