About two minutes into last evening's performance of Movin' Out (which was my second time at the show) I thought to myself -- "I could totally see this show again!"

I am a huge Billy Joel fan and I love all his music. The band is so great and the arrangements so exciting, that I enjoy this version, and I am not constantly yearning to hear the original (the way I am with Mamma Mia!)

The first time I saw Movin' Out (last fall) I saw the original cast but Wade Preston was on for Mike Cavanaugh. Tonight Mike Cavanaugh was on playing the piano and singing all the songs, but Eddie was played by Charlie Hodges instead of the original John Selya, and Judy was played by Mabel Modrono instead of the original Ashley Tuttle. Keith Roberts played Tony, Elizabeth Parkinson played Brenda, Benjamin G. Bowman played James and Scott Wise played Sergeant O'Leary/Drill Sergeant. My hats off to the entire cast!

Last time I was in the balcony, but this time I got row D in the orchestra! Wow, so much better to see the dancers up close -- it was amazing. Literally, sheets of sweat would come streaming off the dancers and onto the first few rows -- awesome!

I love this show. Twyla Tharp's choreography and the cast's dancing is unbelievable. The audience gasped several times at certain dance feats (and feets!). I am constantly torn as to where to watch -- there is so much great stuff going on onstage, but the band is terrific to watch (Mike Cavanaugh is definitely a cutie pie) -- they look like they are having so much darn fun. I don't know where I want to be more...in the band or onstage dancing! I caught myself watching with my mouth wide open in awe several times (not a pretty sight for the poor dancers...)

Every single dancer is so incredible, but after seeing it twice I think my favorite is Benjamin G. Bowman who plays James. I won't tell you what happens to him, but he has a great bit in the second act I just love to watch!

And because it is a story about individual characters and the joys and tragedies that befall them, the anti-war message is very strong without being preachy.

Tomorrow I am going to go out and buy the original Broadway cast recording (even though I have all of Billy Joel's songs!)

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