A Chorus Line: The History Behind the Line

Missing from your "In Memoriam" list is Michel Stuart, who originated the role of Greg and, sadly, died unexpectedly in 1997. He had left Broadway and dancing but had successfully segued into producing and costume design. At the time of his death, he was living in Los Angeles. Nonetheless, thank you for a fantastic and informative video.

This was not how I expected to find out Cats made more than A Chorus Line but it still hurts.

I think Bennett completely underestimated the effect the ending of the show would have on the audience. He had said he wanted the audience to be horrified that here were the dancers and they all morphed into ONE. But while he staged it with that intention, what happens to us as an audience. As the dancers come out one by one, we recognize them and applaud, usually wildly. Then, as the number goes on, you find yourself looking at them, and saying to yourself, "Oh there's Sheila and Paul..." Then the exhilaration of the number reaches it peak, and you realize these wonderful people who have just spent two hours sharing their lives, are amazing at what they do. This exhilaration and astonishment are what the audience leaves feeling. Not horror.

A Chorus Line has been my favorite since the 80s. I'm old, but Paul's monologue brought me to tears.

"Based entirely on her fab self" AIN'T IT THE TRUTH. God bless Kelly Bishop.

Terrific job...we saw the original show in September 1975 after it moved to the Schubert...remains the best show we’ve ever seen...truly spectacular....thanks for doing this

Experienced the original at the Papp. Now it’s a piece of theatre history. I will always treasure those moments.

your channel is so underrated like y’all deserve so much more hype. there aren’t enough theatre analysis channels

Something about A Chorus Line is so magical. Thank you for this video!

As of December 17th 2022 we can add RON DENNIS TO THE MEMORANDUM. RIP RON!❤️

My favorite Broadway musical of all time!! I never tire of hearing stories of its origin! I was a figure skater in the 70’s and my fellow skaters and I played the soundtrack to death during practice sessions. Eventually I choreographed a group number to ‘I Hope I Get It’ for a summer ‘showcase’ competition. Ironically my group competed and won the gold medal as I traveled to Atlantic City to rehearse for the Ice Capades ‘corp de’ ballet’ - like Paul, I had a career ending injury (or two or three). Looking back, I am more proud of the win for choreography than any other accomplishment in my 12 years on the ice. During the early days of lockdown when members of the revival cast and of various touring companies did a socially distant ‘I Hope I Get It’ that I caught on YouTube, it was such a bright spot for me during a very depressing time. I must have watched it 25 times the day I discovered it! I hope if they do a revival for the 50th, they don’t change a thing. I know it’s dated, but also timeless!

This channel is so underrated oh my god

Thank you for this Video. I was an 80s kid who grew up watching the movie version, listening to the soubdtrack, and singing "One" in choir. I've always been curious about the Musical's history and origin. And I still watch the movie and listen to the songs to this day. It's hard to deny it's power and impact. Thank you again.

Well, I just stumbled onto this video. You being so young, how did you get all this info? Lovely job. FYI, Chris Chadman was also a part of the workshop and left with me to do CHICAGO. It was such a monumental event in our young lives; many of us are still in contact to this day. Thank you. Candy Brown

Fun fact John Leguizamo sites A Chorus Line has one of his main reasons for getting into showbiz in his own Broadway stand-up comedy freak

Again, you've done a fantastic job of going behind the facade of the show to expose how it got to be what it became. Much has been said about the personal characteristics of Michael Bennett. It's no coincidence that his idol was Jerome Robbins, another taskmaster and perfectionist. But I don't think this show would have become what it is had it not been driven by Michael Bennett's vision. I don't want to minimize at all anything that the musical's other creators as well as every dancer who provided their life's story to the ultimate success of this musical. The original cast and perhaps the first international touring company can never be matched. There have been and will be revivals that are great to see. But they lack the look and authenticity of the dancer who was working and living in 1975. It's like the original cast of Follies. You can never add the human element that the original cast members brought to the characters in that show and the fact their careers started during or soon after followed the original Ziegfeld follies. Same thing with A Chorus Line. Please do more of this. Thank you.

I never got to see A Chorus Line on stage. I did how ever see the movie made in 1985 when I was 15. Seeing some of the on stage footage I have it is close to the Broadway version. I saw the movie Grease in theaters at age 8 and fell in love with musicals. Then when A Chorus Line came out my mind was now away. I know I watched it 10 times that week it was on. I know it isn't anything like seeing a production on stage but it was a magical time for me when I saw it. It is one of my favorite musicals. Beauty and the Beast is my all time Favorite. I did see that one on stage. There is no comparison. You can't explain the magical feeling seeing it live to someone. They have to experience it for themselves. Great video by the way..love you guys channel ❤

A Chorus Line was my absolute favorite show after seeing it about a dozen times since 1976. This video showed me a ton of new information I never knew. Thank you!

I lived upstairs from Michon Peacock while the marathon talk sessions for A CHORUS LINE were going on. I really wanted to be a part of the TALK THERAPY but she said the workshop was only for Broadway Gypsies, one of which I wasn't. She told me that the sessions went on all night based on MARATHON THERAPY which was in style at the time. I forget the year. Michael Bennett and Michael Stuart were also at Michon's apartment eating omelets and she invited me down to meet them.

This is SO well done, and I'm SO excited that I found your channel!!! Thank you Drama Dorks!!