'A Chorus Line' - May It Run Forever

(Photos By Paul Kolnik)

Last night, I couldn't get to sleep as I was still under the spell of the national tour of A CHORUS LINE.

(Robyn Hurder as Cassie)

Perhaps the greatest musical ever, I have been waiting since 1975 for a show to rival A CHORUS LINE. None, has ever emerged. Certainly, there have been wonderful shows before, during and after A CHORUS LINE's original long run. However, there is simply nothing to compare to the achievement and sheer entertainment of Michael Bennett's A CHORUS LINE.

This musical about dancers touches all of us as we all have dreams. A CHORUS LINE is a show about dreams, and the astonishing work that Michael Bennett fashioned is indeed a dream come true.

(Sebastian La Cause as Zach)

After all these decades, A CHORUS LINE retains its power, humor, and poignancy. Its stage magic and cinematic direction have never been equaled (Bennett's DREAMGIRLS did come pretty close, but nothing is A CHORUS LINE.)

I shall not go into the history of the genesis of A CHORUS LINE here. There have been many books on the subject and any reader may search the web to learn of the fascinating way this show came to be. After all, it is what's up there on stage that counts.

At the opening in South Florida last night, Bob Avian was present. The multiple Tony winner won one of them as co-choreographer of A CHORUS LINE, and he has now taken the director's helm for this revival. Mr. Avian wisely chose to do a tracing paper revival. The show last night is indistinguishable from the original Broadway production. Bravo and thank you for that wise choice, Bob Avian. Mr. Avian and I greeted each other and it was wonderful conversing with him, after so many decades. After our brief interlude, we parted sharing the sentiment that we both "wished Michael were here." Michael Bennett died at a tragically young age, but his masterpiece survives and will likely be with us as long as there is an audience for a brilliant Broadway show.

If you have seen A CHORUS LINE dozens of times as I have, you know it is a show you simply must see again. If you have never seen A CHORUS LINE, get a ticket fast, and prepare to have memories that will last a lifetime.

There were some minor orchestral weaknesses last night, but I suspect they will be worked out by today. The cast is glorious, without a weak link anywhere. I confess that Shannon Lewis is not among my favorite Sheilas, but she was surely excellent and the audience loved her.

Sebastian La Cause may be the finest Zach I have ever seen, including Robert LuPone's original. This performance by Mr. La Cause is cause to rejoice. His Zach (the choreographer of the show within the show) is simply marvelous and I hope to revisit his performance soon.

Mindy Dougherty is simply divine as Val, the triple threat enhanced by plastic surgery. She is funny, charming, warm, and simply fabulous. She is one of the greatest Vals I have ever seen.

Robyn Hurder is triumphant as Cassie, the dancer too good for the chorus, but not good enough to be a star. THE MUSIC AND THE MIRROR is Cassie's glorious solo and Ms. Hurder delivers with breathtaking power.

I could go on, but I will rapidly run out of adjectives for superlative. Simply put, A CHORUS LINE is as great as great can be. Please see this show. I promise it will enhance your life. Or as happened to me with A CHORUS LINE decades ago, it may change your life forever.

The final performance of A CHORUS LINE at the Broward Center is March 1. 

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