There’s no people like show people. I realize I’m quoting a completely different musical (“Annie Get Your Gun,” for those of you playing along) but that’s exactly what I sat there thinking during “A Chorus Line,” running now through May 3 (you only have a few more chances) at West Valley Performing Arts Center.

“A Chorus Line” is an homage to show people. The people who are willing to give it their all – both physically and emotionally – eight shows a week. People willing to endure rejection, grueling auditions, aching bodies and bare souls. And they’re not just willing, they can’t think of anything they’d rather be doing. There really are no people like show people.

That’s what “A Chorus Line” is about – people trying to get work as dancers in the chorus of a Broadway show.

First a bit of background. “A Chorus Line” is based on the true life stories of Broadway dancers, or “gypsies.” In taped interview sessions with Michael Bennett, the show’s creator, these dancers shared their life stories – unhappy childhoods, questions about sexuality, adolescence, infidelity and aging. With 24 hours of footage, Bennett and his team crafted a series of vignettes and monologues and, coupled with the brilliant music Marvin Hamlisch, would go on to break every single box office record, making “A Chorus Line,” a verifiable hit. Not just at the box office, but critically too – winning the Tony Award (nine of ‘em, actually) and even the Pulitzer Prize for drama.

It’s a musical that is not produced locally very often, so I was intrigued. It’s also not a musical I’ve ever seen staged in-the-round, so I was extra intrigued and, walked away completely delighted.

First of all, the staging. Bravo! I was impressed with how well co-directors/choreographers Ben Roeling and Izzy Arrieta moved our dancers through the space; the audition line subtly moving with dancers facing in varied directions so we all had something or someone to look at. It worked so well that it made me feel more like a dancer participating in the audition, rather than a director hiding in the dark watching.

I’ve always asked people who are considering seeing “A Chorus Line” – do you know what it’s about? Many people think of dancers clad in sparkly gold costumes, doing a fabulous kickline and they assume the show much be a fantastic dance piece. Which usually isn’t really the case. But in this production, the in-the-round staging turned many of these monologues/solos into additional production numbers – what a treat!

The choreography was so fun to watch and the cast is full of great dancers. One quick aside, one of the things I’ve noticed about West Valley Arts productions is the variety of body types in their productions – it’s so refreshing to see. Major kudos.

Anne Puzey’s crisp musical direction solidified our chorus line – with every word enunciated and every harmony locked in. And Alicia Kondrick’s costumes perfectly captured a 70s flair with fun vintage finds like an old-school Kodak tank top and classic 70s sweatsuits and bell bottoms.

This is truly an ensemble piece and, together, they are completely in sync. I enjoyed each performance, each monologue and teared up numerous times at the stories being shared – knowing they’re someone’s real life experience. Then I get thinking about the actors I’m watching knowing they all have their own unique experiences and life happening and yet, there they were on a Saturday afternoon, putting on a show. A singular sensation indeed.

Content – I loved that WV Arts was committed to doing the real version of this show. Keep in mind it’s very much PG-13. These are adults who are discussing adult topics – gonorrhea, “tits and ass,” sexuality. Do not take your children thinking you’re going to see a fun dance show.

The only minus point from me is a lack of an actual playbill. I’m on a mission to bring back playbills as the digital versions are so uninviting, are often unaccessible inside the theater, and do not give the performers, the creative team nor the advertisers their due.