One Singular Sensation is back. Sixteen years after closing, the revival of A CHORUS LINE has returned to Broadway, officially opening October 5th at the Schoenfeld Theatre. The show, which originally ran from 1975 – 1990 at the Shubert Theatre, received numerous accolades including nine Tony Awards, five Drama Desk Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a 1984 Special Tony Award for the Longest Running Show in Broadway history.
Producer John Breglio said interest had been expressed to him in bringing A CHORUS LINE back to Broadway for the past six years. However, as the representative of the late Michael Bennett’s estate, who originally conceived, choreographed and directed the show, Breglio’s instinct told him it was not the right thing to do – until now. “There was nothing magical or scientific about it, it was just a gut feeling,” he explained in deciding two years ago to revive the show. He also knew that A CHORUS LINE was such a signature show that the most appropriate time to return would be the beginning of the 2006 Broadway season.
Set in 1975, A CHORUS LINE tells the firsthand stories of Broadway actors who are auditioning for the chorus of a new show. According to Breglio, when the decision was made to revive the show, the creative team thought about updating the script but decided it would be best to stay true to the show’s original form. “What makes it fresh, new and current are the actors; a young, athletic cast,” he explains. Even with references to celebrities of the ’70s era, “The concern for seeming dated goes away in the first five minutes.”
Breglio explains there are two main audiences that will want to see A CHORUS LINE. “There is the audience of core theatregoers who saw the original show and who will want to see it again and a whole new generation of teens that have heard of it but haven’t seen it.” Breglio says the show connects with the audience in a couple of ways. First, “it demonstrates the absolute craftsmanship, direction, choreography, design and collaboration” of the creative team which includes Bennett, Bob Avian (director and original co-choreographer), Marvin Hamlisch (music) and Edward Kleban (lyrics).
The show also connects with the audience emotionally. “Every person has been accepted or rejected at some point in their life whether it’s in school or dates or with their parents. People (characters) are doing what they love but some don’t make it.” Breglio references a popular television program to show the relevance for today’s audience. “On ‘American Idol’ those are amateurs getting lucky but these people are professionals who have to make a living. They have to pay the bills and they want to be successful.”
By: Beth Cox
