A Chorus Line at 50: A Brief, Loving Tribute

“It can be yours. No different from falling in love with a song, one may fall in love with a work of art and claim it as one’s own. Ownership does not come free. One must spend time with it; visit at different times of the day or evening; and bring to it one’s full attention. The investment will be repaid as one discovers something new with each viewing.”–from Insomniac City by Bill Hayes, 2017

As the Broadway musical A Chorus Line celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, the Bill Hayes quote above resonates with us. Hayes is talking about a painting, but I think his words fit other works of art, too.

Like musicals.

Like A Chorus Line.

Ted and I claim the musical as our own.

Our World War II-era parents had South Pacific. A Chorus Line is ours. Our generation’s musical.

And because we’ve seen 10 live performances of it over the last five decades, including the original Broadway production in 1978, we feel we have rights of ownership.

Not legal rights, of course. I’m talking: The piece is ingrained in our souls.

The photo above helps explain why, I think. Unlike the cheesy 1985 movie version of ACL, which grossly mistook the show as a story about a group of crazy kids trying to make it big on Broadway (talk about being out of line!), the photo captures the real story.

ACL is about guts.

Stamina.

Strength.

Working oneself to the bone in the effort to be seen, to be heard during our brief time on this earth. Whether it happens when we’re young, or when we’re slightly past our prime. Whether it’s with music and a mirror … or a paintbrush … or a camera … a microphone … or a computer keyboard.

The photo features the dancer Donna McKechnie as the original Cassie during her nine-minute solo plea for these things. “God, I’m a dancer,” she says. “A dancer dances.” So she does.

It’s a plea for a job in the chorus of an upcoming show, yes.

But Cassie is also dancing for her life.

To put aside everything everyone has ever told her about what she should be or do.

It’s about having her say.

Alone on stage.

Unrestrained.

Unrestricted.

Like we all deserve the chance to do.

You can read more about ACL‘s 50th anniversary celebration on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/167353876624927

And see a dazzling production of the show’s closing number by a Mexico City cast here:

It is one of the most impeccably danced versions of the finale I’ve seen. So precise.

And in line with what Bill Hayes has to say about discovering something new with each viewing, I’m focusing on that crazy left shoulder roll each of the male dancers does after his bow.

Doesn’t that hurt? I wonder.

But then I just sit back and enjoy it.

For the umpteenth time.

Our show.

Happy 50th birthday, ACL … and many more.

Note: Credit for the black and white photo goes to Herb Migdoll Photography.

And for the really hard core, here’s a recording of McKechnie’s triumphant performance of the Cassie Dance in the original production of A Chorus Line. It’s worthy of an Olympic gold medal, and she did it eight times a week. While singing.

And here are ACL alumni dancers doing the finale at the 50th anniversary celebration in New York. Balding, a little extra weight around the waist, they’re still marvelous. I dare you to tell me this is NOT what the waiting room to heaven looks like. 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1264153705407780