BROADWAY SNAP-SHOT
by Russell Bouthiller
Dateline: November 13, 2006
A CHORUS LINE
Provided in the press package of the much-anticipated revival of A CHORUS LINE is a fact sheet on the longest running American musical. Included is a list of the nine Tony Awards the show received in 1975 as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The original production of A CHORUS LINE became the longest running show in Broadway history when it played its 3389th performance on September 29, 1983, and closed nearly seven years later with an unprecedented 6137 runs under its belt.
A CHORUS LINE is one of the most beloved shows to have played the Great White Way in the past 50 years. With its captivating score by composer Marvin Hamlisch and lyricist Edward Kleban and a poignant book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, this peek into the rough-and-tumble audition process has gained legions of fans who connect with its honesty, passion and pursuit of a dream.
Originally directed by Michael Bennett—indeed, the show that cemented his legendary status—this reverent revival of A CHORUS LINE pays homage to the flagship production in replica. Under the direction of Bennett's co-choreographer, Bob Avian, and with choreography "re-staged" by Baayork Lee (Bennett's dance captain and a member of the original cast), this new look at the iconic show is as close to the original as one could possible get. Even Natasha Katz's lighting is adapted from Tharon Musser's first beams.
What a blessing for those who missed the show the first time around to have this second chance. Unlike many revivals that have been sneered at for missing the essence of the initial launch—the Roundabout's take on the venerated Stephen Sondheim classic, FOLLIES, is one that comes to mind—this new glimpse of A CHORUS LINE is as close to a mirror image as any new company could muster.
With all these familiar elements coming together, there is no shortage of great expectations for this new cast. For those who saw the show when it first moved into the Shubert Theatre, the memory of that famous company is one much cherished. Even those who were put in later in the run had a challenge living up to their predecessors, actors and dancers who shaped those original roles. The actors and their characters were, in large part, one and the same. Donna McKechnie was Cassie and Cassie was Donna McKechnie.
Director Bob Avian has put together a fine collection of very talented young players, all brimming with that vibrant dream and steadfast determination. Michael Berrese as Zach, the analytical director, conveys the compassion and authority which propels the piece. Stand-out performances from Jeffrey Schecter as Mike with his "I Can Do That" turn and Jessica Lee Golden as Val prancing through "Dance: Ten; Lokos: Three" boost the energy level. Veteran Deirdre Goodwin updates the role of Sheila, the aging showgirl, with a new racial profile. And, Ken Alan as Bobby, tugs at the heartstrings.
But, the performer who follows the toughest act is Charlotte d'Amboise. Slipping on Cassie's dance-skins is no small task and d'Amboise manages to imbue the role with a fine balance of pathos and valor. All in all, this is a dynamic company in a lovingly respectfully and highly energetic recreation of theatre history. A CHORUS LINE, the very definition of Broadway legend, now at the Gerald Shoenfeld Theatre