New York City Broadway Theater Guide

A Chorus Line

Broadway Musical

Previews  September 18 2006
Opens  October 5 2006

Running Time  2 hrs | No intermission

Tickets  $86.25 to $111.25

Standing Room Only $26.25 day of performance tickets available if show is sold out | Box office only | Subject to change

Prices do not include any taxes, service charges or other charges

Order at Telecharge 212-239-6200 | Outside NY Metro Area 800-432-7250 | Groups 212-302-7000 / 800-677-1164

Advisory Might not be appropriate for children under 13

Restrictions Children under 4 years of age not permitted

Performances

Fall Schedule as of October 16th

No Performances Sep 19th 8:00P | Nov 22nd 2:00P | Dec 25th 8:00P | Jan 1st 8:00P

Added Performances Sep 18th 8:00P | Nov 24th 2:00P | Dec 29th 2:00P | Jan 7th 3:00P

Curtain Changes Oct 5th 6:30P

Producer

Vienna Waits Productions

Creative

James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante book
Marvin Hamlisch music
Edward Kleban lyrics

Jonathan Tunick orchestrations
Patrick Vaccariello musical director
Don Pippin vocal arrangements

Bob Avian director
Baayork Lee choreographer

Theoni V Aldredge costume design
Tharon Musser lighting design
Robin Wagner scenic design
Acme Sound Partners sound design

Synopsis

A simple musical about making a musical. Choreographers audition a group of dancers for the chorus of an upcoming show. The aspirants' dreams, expectations and limitations are revealed and explored

Show History

It will only be a bit more than 16 years since the first run of A Chorus Line closed after a record breaking 6,137 performances. This isn't a long time in Broadway history, but might be the best time to bring back a non-jukebox musical

A Chorus Line originated as a production of the New York Shakespeare Festival and opened at Joseph Papp's Public Theatre on April 16, 1975. It didn't take long for folks to realize the impact of the show and it quickly made the move to Broadway, opening on July 25, 1975, at the Shubert Theater. The show was an instant sensation and garnered twelve 1976 Tony Award® nominations and went on to win nine. Besides the show's award for best musical, Michael Bennett was honored for his direction, as well as choreography with Bob Avian. James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante won for best book, Messrs Hamlisch and Kleban scored for music and lyrics, and Ms Musser won for her lighting. Acting awards went to Donna McKechnie, Sammy Williams and Carole Bishop. A bit of added recognition was bestowed when the entire chorus received a special award for ensemble performance

In addition to its Broadway honors, A Chorus Line received the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

According to a very quick down and dirty count using a variety of sources, it looks like at least 200 performers took the stage during the first run of A Chorus Line. Among some now recognizable names are Ann Reinking, who had a spin as Cassie; Bebe Neuwirth as Sheila, Karen Ziemba as Bebe and Wayne Cilento as Mike, all in their first credited Broadway performances; and Robert Lupone as Zach. An excellent resource is the Chorus Line family site maintained by now choreographer Baayork Lee as a way to celebrate all of the performers in all the productions

Notes

This revival of Chorus Line seems almost a class reunion. Director Avian was co-choreographer on the original production, Ms Aldridge returns as costume designer, as does Ms Musser and Mr Wagner for lighting and scenic design. And, choreographer Baayork Lee originated the role of Connie way back in 1975

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