The Legacy of “A Chorus Line”

Experiencing a new Broadway musical can often reveal its potential for greatness early on.

Standing ovations tend to be involuntary responses, rather than just polite gestures or a way to rush to the restroom.

There’s a unique euphoria in the audience, a sensation typically associated with the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square. In those moments, everything seems to glow.

As you exit the theater, one word lingers in your mind—”again”. It resonates with the essence of one of the truly monumental musicals in theater history.

This iconic piece is Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban’s “A Chorus Line,” which first illuminated Broadway fifty years ago, offering an intimate look into the lives of dancers.

The visionary Michael Bennett, through his inventive direction and choreography, revitalized Broadway in the 1970s, infusing it with energy, emotion, and modernity.

“A Chorus Line” struck a chord with audiences, featuring unforgettable songs like “What I Did for Love,” “The Music and the Mirror,” and “One.” For 15 years, it filled the Schubert Theater with its magic.

From the very start, it was evident that this was a show like no other.

Critic Martin Gottfried was one of the first to review the experimental musical as it premiered at the public theater before the venue became a respected launching pad for Broadway hits. The moment the curtains rose, he sensed he was witnessing something extraordinary.

According to Gottfried, “When ‘A Chorus Line’ concluded at the Newman Theatre, the audience erupted in applause.” The excitement continued through the numbers, leaving a lasting impression.

Such moments are historic and truly deserve celebration.

Reflecting on the 50-year anniversary of “A Chorus Line,” I find my feelings to be somewhat bittersweet.

It’s been a decade since I last felt the same excitement of a major new hit on Broadway.

This August 6 marks ten years since I left the theater after seeing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.”

Sure, there have been some successful and popular productions since “Hamilton,” like “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Come From Away.”

But it’s not quite the same as the buzz around shows that leave audiences clamoring for tickets.

Sometimes I find myself wondering if we could brainstorm ideas for new shows; perhaps even something quirky, like a musical about French bulldogs.

The absence of such marquee productions is striking and maybe even a bit surprising. For a span of 40 years, from “A Chorus Line” to “Hamilton,” Broadway consistently caught the eye of the national media about every five years.

Memorable titles during that time included “Annie,” “Evita,” “Cats,” “Les Misérables,” “Rent,” and “The Book of Mormon.”

Yet, that fountain of major hits seems to have run dry.

Last year’s trends felt a little too influenced by “outsider” factors as I explained the success of “Maybe Happy Ending,” the recent Tony Award winner for Best Musical, to casual theatergoers.

Dealing with the current drought of major hits is tricky. It’s like trying to fix a much larger issue after a small mistake spirals out of control.

The 18-month closure of Broadway during the pandemic has altered audience habits for good. Costs skyrocketed, and investors have become understandably hesitant. The landscape has shifted, with many productions leaning heavily on Hollywood branding, while original musicals are becoming less mainstream.

I can’t help but feel that today’s producers often lack the vision and taste necessary to captivate audiences, and it’s a troubling thought.

Sales in recent seasons have rebounded close to 2019 levels, but that’s mostly due to flashy performances featuring celebrities at exorbitant ticket prices, along with a few standout new musicals.

However, relying on star power and quirky productions that often don’t last won’t sustain Broadway’s future.

What Broadway really needs is a must-see, boundary-pushing musical that can breathe life back into the culture. It’s those shows that uplift the entire industry.

A-Five 6-7-8.

Despite the challenges, I’m still holding on to hope.

Perhaps we can draw inspiration from the timeless spirit of “A Chorus Line.”

Goodbye to today, and let’s look forward to tomorrow.