A Chorus Line... Still Relevant?

[Mealz1042]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 12:05pm

I was thinking about the revival of a chorus line and what it was about that just didn't draw me in as well i thought it could have or should have and I was wondering, do you think that one of it's biggest downfalls is that it's not really necessary because it just can't have the same impact now as it did when it first opened?

I just feel like in the original production, it was the first time that some of these issues were brought to the stage but now that they are more accepted and widespread it can't have even close to the same affect that it did and because of this its more like a bunch of people randomly chatting on stage. (NOT to say I didn't like it, because I did, I just felt like it dragged on a bit and I didn't really know what to walk away with. And of course I did appreciate seeing live a revival of such a monumental show)

[Gothampc]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 12:20pm

I do think in some areas it has passed its expiration date.

For example: the T&A song. Part of the fun of the song was being "shocked" when she sang that. Now that we see t&a regularly on tv and the internet, it's not such a big deal.

Some of the desperation and angst of the mid 1970s is lost in today's culture. Women could identify with "What I Did for Love" because they had many dreams they had to give up to be mothers. Society has changed since then and while the wistfulness may still be there, many more women are fulfilling their dreams because more avenues are opened to them.

IMO, part of ACL is about putting yourself on the line, putting yourself out there for the "big boss" to determine if you are good enough. I still think that aspect resonates with people, but there has been a shift in today's society. More people are now able to say "take this job and shove it, I'm going to start my own business".

Updated On: 4/25/08 at 12:20 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 12:32pm

I think a lot of it is lost on the reality show/competition audiences of today. The basic concept and conceit is very common these days. Other shows have used its skeletal framework, from Cats to Starlight Express. Everyone steps forward, does their bit, and somebody wins a big prize at the end.

In a way, ACL was the first "reality musical."

So the innovation and freshness is gone now. It's a period piece of historical importance. But that feels more like walking through a living museum. It's also big nostalgia for many of us who were drawn closer to the theatre after seeing it.

I remember being horrified when Music Man started to lose its brilliance. Most people don't get that show today, either. They see it as a frivilous cartoon and that's all.

Be ready for the EXACT same thing to happen to today's big shows. And I mean all of them, including Sondheim's. His will last longer than most, as did Rodger's & Hammerstein's. But his will eventually fade in their relevance and impact too, into respected museum pieces from a bygone era.

The first to go will be the shows that spoke loudly to a generation or an era in time:

Rent
Spring Awakening
Angels in America

[roquat]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 1:38pm

Not relevant? Are you KIDDING me?

Actors aren't concerned about aging, losing their looks, and trying to hang on in a shrinking business any more? Women don't get breast implants or play up their ethnic differences in order to get noticed any more? Men aren't concerned about being perceived as "too gay" onstage any more? What auditions have you been attending?

[Brick]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 1:55pm

No. And it's not even claiming to be. It's a museum piece, and cash cow.

[roquat]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 2:17pm

Bull.

[osage08]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 3:39pm

Roquat- I think mealz meant that it is not as relevant as it once was when some of the ideas were still new. Of course there are some threads of ACL and almost any show that will still be relevant x amount of years from now, just not as relevant becasue time change, technology chages and our way of life changes. With that our fears, worries and difficulties as a people.
With that said, I never saw the original production of ACL but I was blown away by the revival. I was moved to tears being able to relate to their quest to find a way in an ever more competitive world. I was especially able to relate to Sheila, Bebe and Maggie in At the Ballet and Richie finding himself in college than not knowing what comes next since I'm in that same time of life myself.

[broadwayrules]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 3:52pm

Random Question (this might sound stupid): but what song is the T&A song?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 3:54pm

"Dance: Ten; Looks: Three." Everyone thinks it's called "Tits and Ass."

[broadwayrules]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 3:55pm

Ok, thank you!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 3:58pm

broadwayrules - "Dance ten, looks three, and I'm still on unemployment. Dancin' for my own enjoyment..."


To me, A Chorus Line was (and still is) extremely relevant. As a performer and just as a person in general it was something that I really related to. While things do change, the idea of putting yourself on the line and giving your all for something that you REALLY want will never fade out.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 5:19pm

"To me, A Chorus Line was (and still is) extremely relevant. As a performer and just as a person in general it was something that I really related to. While things do change, the idea of putting yourself on the line and giving your all for something that you REALLY want will never fade out. "

Thank You!! For anybody; not just performers; that has put themselves "on the line" for something they've really wanted will always exist. The feeling of was I good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, etc. always passes through your head while putting yourself "on the line". A Chorus Line could always be updated for the current time but the main story will always remain the same.

[george95]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 5:26pm

I've only Chorus Line once, the revival last summer.

I still think it is relevant because its just about trying to make it in life.

However, the gay character in the show did make me kinda roll my eyes when he told his story. It was really obvious that it this were 1975, you were supposed to be like "I never knew what a young gay person goes through! That's so sad! He's such a strong person to still follow his dream!"

But seeing it now, and being somebody who grew up hearing gay-but-strong tales, the character's story seems way too Lifetime Movie-ish for me. Not that I dont like Lifetime movies.......but its just his story probably doesn't pack the same emotional punch as it did in 1975.


But........that doesnt mean its not worth hearing.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 5:42pm

Personally, A Chorus Line is still 100% relevant to me. Every aspect of the story, and every idea and message I take away from it, are not altered by time. It's not about polyester and shock value. It's about sacrifice and courage and individuality.

[jv92]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 7:29pm

I think it's rather dated and it's interesting to see how relevant its main competition back in '75, Chicago, still is. In a way, it was as relevant as Chorus Line was when it first opened, but was not thought of that way by most.
Anyway, enough with the Chicago plugging-
Chorus Line is still quite stunning to look at. Those stage pictures are dynamite. But yes, I think it is a little dated. Sorry.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 8:06pm

*Edited due to LuvtheEmcee's comment*

I feel that ACL is more dated than irrelevant. and this is for no reason other than the fact that it was written before the AIDS epidemic. I feel like that might cause some discord (especially in the 80s) because so many young actors and actresses were dying of HIV and AIDS. obviously a whole lot of shows were written pre-AIDS, and I'm not saying that they might not be relevant now. I think that a show like ACL, which is meant to be viewed as reality and is about a group which includes a lot of gay can feel a little dated without reference to AIDS.

Updated On: 4/25/08 at 08:06 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 8:17pm

Obviously, it's still set in the 70's, and as such, of course there are things about it that are dated. But do elements here and there and things negate a show as a whole? No. It's a show about dancers, but it is a story about people trying to make it. Afraid they won't, needing to. Striving to be good enough. Being "on the line." And that's relevant to a whole hell of a lot more people than actors and dancers in 1975. It's a little dated, but that doesn't make it "irrelevant." There's a big difference.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 8:29pm

I agree with you, emcee. actually, I should go back and edit my post to reflect that...

[WickedBoy2]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 8:30pm

A classic, period piece.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 8:33pm

givesmevoice, that wasn't directed specifically at you (or anybody, just weighing in on the question), so I'm sorry if you felt like I was jumping on you!

Updated On: 4/25/08 at 08:33 PM

[jordangirl]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 8:39pm

However, the gay character in the show did make me kinda roll my eyes when he told his story. It was really obvious that it this were 1975, you were supposed to be like "I never knew what a young gay person goes through! That's so sad! He's such a strong person to still follow his dream!"
But seeing it now, and being somebody who grew up hearing gay-but-strong tales, the character's story seems way too Lifetime Movie-ish for me. Not that I dont like Lifetime movies.......but its just his story probably doesn't pack the same emotional punch as it did in 1975.
But........that doesnt mean its not worth hearing.

Ah, but George, see, not everyone DID grow up hearing those tales. There are still some people for whom that story is EXTREMELY relevant. There ARE still parts of the country where people don't know what a gay young person goes through. Sadly, we're not AS evolved all over as we'd like to think we are.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 10:29pm

I think its very relevant.

I haven't seen the revival but I've seen regional productions. I think like most anything it depends on the quality of the acting/direction. I've seen plays and musicals that I knew backwards and forwards sound and feel brand new because of the brilliance of the acting and direction.

I've seen faves of mine that bored me to tears when done badly.

Its all in execution.

[BigFatBlonde]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 10:40pm

My one fear with the show is that the Bennett Choreography is so integral to the successful telling of the story that there isn't much wiggle room.

The show is kinda set in stone, which increases its chances of becoming a museum piece.

[TheaterAddict7652]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 10:54pm

In my opinion, I see A Chorus Line as a period piece. There are mulitple references to people (Robert Goulet, Steve McQueen), places (If I'm not mistaken, doesn't Paul's monologue refer to several areas in Manhattan that weren't safe during the '70's?) and things (The Red Shoes) that might go over someone my age's head. (I was born shortly after the original production closed, and if I wasn't a history of pop culture nerd, I wouldn't get some of the references)

But just because it's a period piece doesn't mean it isn't relevant. I think A Chorus Line is very relevant today. As a performer, I could easily relate the idea doing whatever it takes to be able to perform, but I think that it's something that anyone could relate to. dancingthrulife04 said it very well, "While things do change, the idea of putting yourself on the line and giving your all for something that you REALLY want will never fade out.

[roquat]

Posted: 4/25/08 at 11:00pm

It's about as "dated" and "irrelevant" as Mozart. Or the Iliad.