Musical Spotlight: A Chorus Line by Michael Bennett, James Kirkwood, Jr., Marvin Hamlisch, Nicholas Dante and Edward Kleban (1976)
Description
17 dancers contend for spots on a Broadway chorus line. The show takes place at an audition in New York. The setting is a simple, empty stage with one white line running across the floor. Throughout the audition, the audience peers into most of the individual dancers' histories. In so doing, the audience understands how the dancers' lives have been informed psychologically. Topics such as
identity, purpose, passion, sexism and sexuality are all addressed in the show. One of the main characters, Cassie, discusses her desire to return to the chorus although she has been identified as a soloist throughout her career. The value of chorus roles are questioned by the audition director, but she defends the pride of chorus members. By the end of the show, the entire company appears in matching costumes. Suddenly, all of the individual actors are unidentifiable by the audience.
The show contains iconic numbers such as "I Hope I Get It," "At the Ballet," "The Music and the Mirror," "One," and "What I Did for Love." The choreography by Michael Bennett has been cemented into American theater history.
17 dancers contend for spots on a Broadway chorus line. The show takes place at an audition in New York. The setting is a simple, empty stage with one white line running across the floor. Throughout the audition, the audience peers into most of the individual dancers' histories. In so doing, the audience understands how the dancers' lives have been informed psychologically. Topics such as identity, purpose, passion, sexism and sexuality are all addressed in the show. One of the main characters, Cassie, discusses her desire to return to the chorus although she has been identified as a soloist throughout her career. The value of chorus roles are questioned by the audition director, but she defends the pride of chorus members. By the end of the show, the entire company appears in matching costumes. Suddenly, all of the individual actors are unidentifiable by the audience.
The show contains iconic numbers such as "I Hope I Get It," "At the Ballet," "The Music and the Mirror," "One," and "What I Did for Love." The choreography by Michael Bennett has been cemented into American theater history.
Candid Reaction
The music to this show is GREAT for dancing. I always knew the show was iconic, but I was not entirely sure why until I listened to the soundtrack. The songs are personal in a way I have not heard from other shows. It amazes me how much character development is accomplished in the songs alone. "The Music and the Mirror" shocked me in its passion.
Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning
Top Two Aspects/Reasons for Winning
1. Themes of Identity and Worth
The musical was innovative in its content. Dancers had historically been in the background of musical theater, to my knowledge. To invert American theatrical norms by focusing a show on the chorus created disequilibrium for the audience. As hyperbolic as it may sound, the show heightened humanity. A Chorus Line appealed to audiences in its acknowledgment of the individual's desire to live a passionate life. All humanity desires a sense of belonging and self-actualization (Maslow, anyone?); thus, the show connects with all individuals.
2. ONE.
Get it? 2 . . . ONE . . . No? Okay, whatever.
The finale is a Broadway classic.
Classroom Implications
The musical was innovative in its content. Dancers had historically been in the background of musical theater, to my knowledge. To invert American theatrical norms by focusing a show on the chorus created disequilibrium for the audience. As hyperbolic as it may sound, the show heightened humanity. A Chorus Line appealed to audiences in its acknowledgment of the individual's desire to live a passionate life. All humanity desires a sense of belonging and self-actualization (Maslow, anyone?); thus, the show connects with all individuals.
2. ONE.
Get it? 2 . . . ONE . . . No? Okay, whatever.
The finale is a Broadway classic.
Classroom Implications
I could use some of the songs as exemplars for character development. The theme of identity-formation would resonate with students.
Personal Takeaway
Personal Takeaway
"The Music and Mirror" is awe-inspiring. Just watch Charlotte d'Amboise's rendition from the 2006 revival. Watch it here.
Ranking
TBD
Ranking
TBD
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