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One Singular Sensation - AgainRevival of A Chorus Line Begins Previews
A Chorus Line, formally known as the "longest running show in Broadway history", is back on the Great White Way.
It has only been 16 years since the original, long running production of A Chorus Line closed in New York City, and now, it's back. The new production, which begins previews on September 18th with an official opening on October 5th, is helmed by the original co-choreographer Bob Avian. A Chorus Line broke new ground in musical theatre when it premiered. It was considered by many as one of the best "concept" musicals ever, following the likes of Cabaret, Follies, and Company. The original production ran for 6,137 shows, spanning from July 25th, 1975, until April 28th, 1990. Directed, conceived and co-choreographed by legendary director Michael Bennett, the show features a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by the late Edward Kleban. The original Broadway production starred Tony Winner Donna McKechnie as Cassie, the unlucky dancer who has arrived to audition for her former lovers show. In the revival, Charlotte D'Amboise (Chicago, Sweet Charity) plays Cassie, and Michael Berresse (The Light In The Piazza, Kiss Me, Kate Revival, original production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) plays Zach, the director that Cassie is auditioning for. The show's website describes the story as "a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. The field's been narrowed down to just 17 dancers. For these men and women, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed of. Not to be the star, but to get the job ... to have the chance to dance and come through. But before the final cut is made, the director Zach asks each of them to talk about themselves. He starts by asking their name, age, hometown and reason for being a dancer. But Zach wants more than just their resumes. He wants to know about their families, friends, lovers, ambitions and careers. One by one, they come forward. Some are shy or reluctant, while others are more than happy to reveal their innermost thoughts. From funny to heartbreaking, these 17 dancers share with us the stories of their lives. They put themselves on the line to get a job on the line. And when they're done, so is the audition. And the final chorus line of 8 dancers is chosen." The 1985 film starred Michael Douglas as Zach, and featured a young Janet Gretzky in the cast, and was directed by Sir Richard Attenborough. The revival of A Chorus Line will play the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, and more information can be found on the Chorus Line Website.
The copyright of the article One Singular Sensation - Again in Modern World Theatre is owned by Mike Mackenzie. Permission to republish One Singular Sensation - Again in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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