A Chorus Line: A Singular Sensation at New York City Center

New York City Center celebrated its 75^th year with a performance of the iconic A Chorus Line followed by dinner at the Plaza Hotel. Back in 1975 when it first hit the stage at the Public Theater, A Chorus Line was a game changer of a musical. Scripted from taped interviews with theatrical types: singers and dancers, the book, written by Michael Bennett, collaborating with lyricist Ed Kleban, with music by Marvin Hamlisch—well, this was the winning dream team that made A Chorus Line the Hamilton-scale hit of its day. Re-visioned now 43 years later for this one-week engagement, the musical feels fresh, and simply fabulous.

Featuring the talents of two dozen Broadway professionals under the direction of Bob Avian, who was Michael Bennett’s best friend, and has been connected to Bennett’s vision since the start, the story offers a backstage glimpse into the workings of a musical with hoofers and crooners auditioning to get cast. Zach (Tony Yazbeck, Tony nominated for On the Town) looks at their song and dance chops, asking each one to tell something about their lives, mirroring mid-70’s confessional times. By the selection process, the audience has heard the woes of Paul (Eddie Gutierrez), who used to perform in drag, Val (J. Elaine Marcos) who cracked everyone up in self deprecating song “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three,” the comedy of a couple performing “Sing!,” Kristine (Kate Bailey) and Al (Joseph J. Simeone), Diana (Tara Kostmayer) singing “What I Did for Love,” with a show stopping diva performance by Cassie (Robyn Hurder) for “The Music and the Mirror.” The finale, “One” is an ensemble number for the ages.

At dinner, cast members mingled with a Broadway crowd that included Jake Gyllenhaal, Tituss Burgess, Sutton Foster, and Bebe Neuwirth. Continuing the “chorus line” vibe, they told us their stories: Tommy Bracco who plays Mike took the week off from Pretty Woman to perform. A cousin of Lorraine Bracco, he lives in Staten Island and loves his mother’s cooking. Denis Lambert in the role of Greg just got his masters in theater. The play’s Judy, Melanie Moore, had never heard of A Chorus Line before this staging. Anthony Wayne who plays Richie will soon be starring in Tootsie. And Robyn Hurder will perform in Moulin Rouge. She said when she tells Cassie’s story of not being able to get a job, the weary work of waiting tables, she knows of what she speaks, and it always makes her cry.

Regina Weinreich

Graphic Design: Salpeter Ventura