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Questions and Answers
What elements of traditional musicals did A Chorus Line deliberately omit?
What elements of traditional musicals did A Chorus Line deliberately omit?
It omitted large scenery, costumes, intermission, and a star performer.
Who were the initial creators of the concept behind A Chorus Line and what was their original intention?
Who were the initial creators of the concept behind A Chorus Line and what was their original intention?
The initial creators were Michon Peacock and Tony Stevens, and they intended to create a theater troupe of Broadway dancers.
What significant event allowed Michael Bennett to develop A Chorus Line into a full production?
What significant event allowed Michael Bennett to develop A Chorus Line into a full production?
Joseph Papp allowed Bennett an unprecedented amount of workshop time to develop the project.
How did the interviews conducted by Bennett contribute to the content of A Chorus Line?
How did the interviews conducted by Bennett contribute to the content of A Chorus Line?
In what way did Marvin Hamlisch's involvement influence A Chorus Line?
In what way did Marvin Hamlisch's involvement influence A Chorus Line?
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Study Notes
Overview of A Chorus Line
- Premiered in 1975, A Chorus Line revolutionized musical theater with its ensemble format and minimalistic staging.
- The show features no large scenery, costumes (except for the final number), intermission, or star, setting it apart as an "anti-musical musical."
- Received prestigious accolades including the Pulitzer Prize and nine Tony Awards®.
Origins and Development
- Concept originated from Broadway dancers Michon Peacock and Tony Stevens to address the increasing unemployment among dancers during the early 1970s.
- They approached Michael Bennett, a Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer, to help develop their idea.
- Initial interviews held in January 1974 involved dancers sharing their personal stories, lasting twelve hours.
Collaboration and Creation
- Bennett involved collaborators like Nicholas Dante for the book, Bob Avian for choreography, and Marvin Hamlisch for the score.
- Edward Kleban wrote the lyrics, with James Kirkwood later joining as a co-bookwriter.
- Unique development process resulted in a non-traditional script; roles were organically crafted from true stories of the cast members.
Impact and Reception
- The first workshop occurred on August 4, 1974, leading to subsequent performances at The Public Theater.
- Show debuted on Broadway on July 25, 1975, amidst low theater attendance, which it helped revitalize.
- Attendance rose from 6.6 million to 8.8 million, emphasizing its cultural significance and impact on tourism in New York.
Historical Significance
- A Chorus Line held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history by 1983, with 3,389 performances, a record until 1997.
- Its themes of universal experiences (memory, awkwardness, loss, hope) resonated with baby boomers and broader audiences, contributing to the show's blockbuster success.
- Continues to influence the representation of dancers and personal storytelling in theater.
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