I saw this legendary show on its first national tour back in 1977. I was as poor as could be and had to scrape together a bucket of spare change to afford tickets. I worried that I’d wasted what precious little money I had — until the curtain went up. And when it came down, if I’d had the dough, I’d have turned around and bought another ticket.
The story of dancers fervently auditioning for a chance not to be stars, just to be in a dance line in a Broadway show, completely captures the passion of people who perform for a living: Listen to the words of the song “What I Did for Love,” and you’ll hear what drives them.
Audiences felt that heartfelt emotion for 15 years in New York City, in a record-setting run of 6,137 performances, the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. If you need more validation, let me remind you that A Chorus Line was nominated for a dozen Tony Awards in 1976 and took home nine — including best musical, best musical book, best musical score, best director and best choreography.
Those elements will all be on view at the Aronoff through June 7 in this two-week run presented by Broadway Across America. I wouldn’t miss it — and if you have the wherewithal to buy some tickets (they do cost a bit more than those I saved up for three decades ago), you’ll get your money’s worth. $20-$56.
Get showtimes and find nearby bars and restaurants here.
Read Rick Pender’s review here.
This article appears in May 20-26, 2009.
