A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
I imagine this seals the deal for the Tony race. Excited for all involved, especially Jaquel Spivey, who I assume will be a breakout star if/when he transfers with the production.
I managed to see this during its last week at Playwrights when they miraculously added a Wed matinee to its sold out run. I devoured the cast recording when it was released. I was so affected by this piece. Thrilled to see this announcement. Though, I’m kinda bummed Larry Owens didn’t continue with this project. Wishing Jaquel Spivey all the best.
HeyMrMusic said: "I imagine this seals the deal for the Tony race."
I'm not ready to make any Best Musical predictions.
Knowing the typical demographic of the Tony voters, they frankly might not go for something this unabashedly queer and Black. The musical is arty and weird and book-wise is kind of a mess...but it is ambitious.
Could very well be a situation where this wins Actor and/or Score, while SIX or PARADISE SQUARE or something else wins the top prize. A Sunday/La Cage situation or Billy Elliott/Next to Normal situation would not be shocking (this one being the Sunday/N2N equivalent).
That’s true. I imagine this has to win one or more Tonys. And even if some think the book is a mess, it’s certainly more ambitious than the current options. I’m curious to see how this will fare since it won the Pulitzer and competed at other awards groups in a totally different season. The weight of that has to be in the minds of some voters.
Seems like a clear front runner for Book, Score, Director, and Musical right out of the gate, with obvious nominations in Best Actor, Featured Actor, and Featured Actress (which, if it comes to pass, would be history making, as the first trans performer to be nominated, I believe).
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Wow! That's great, and certainly makes the Best Musical race more exciting. Will be interesting to see if it can find any success financially.
Haven't seen it in DC, but I wish Larry Owens was still attached because he was so tremendous off-Bway."
I've seen both productions, and will see it one more time before it leaves DC. It's a physically demanding role, both of them get very sweaty and out of breath. I find Jaquel Spivey has better vocal control in those scenes. Larry was great, but I don't think you would be disappointed with Jaquel.
I’m more interested in how Jaquel handles the Tyler Perry gospel play monologue, and then the later “gospel play” scene. That was really Larry Owens’ element.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Psyched to see this after reading all the reactions from the off-Broadway production. I'll be back in NYC in May for Cyrano already, so this is great timing for me.
bwayboy22 said: "Is it confirmed that Jacquel will be continuing with this? I wouldn’t be surprised if there were cast changes from Wooly Mammoth."
There was an after-show talk when I saw it at Woolly Mammoth. I was surprised to hear that a few cast members had been involved for over 10 years, way before this was a full-length musical. With their history with the show, I don't think any of them would be replaced unless they choose so due to some major life events.
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Wow! That's great, and certainly makes the Best Musical race more exciting. Will be interesting to see if it can find any success financially.
Haven't seen it in DC, but I wish Larry Owens was still attached because he was so tremendous off-Bway."
Agreed. Hoping that most of the off-Broadway cast transfers with the show as they were all excellent. I thought it wouldn't happen with the fear of opening while the pandemic is still hugely affecting attendance. Does this shut out other shows from jumping in to be the artistic Tony favorite? After Flying Over Sunset was so poorly reviewed, this seems like the only contender unless Paradise Square proves to be competition or there's suddenly a push for Girl From the North Country. At least Six is no longer somehow the most credible musical with an original score this season.
SIX will still probably be the biggest new hit musical of the season (maybe also MR. SATURDAY NIGHT), whether it wins lots of Tonys or not. It could also print money on the road. That's going to go a long way in this weird, cash-strapped season.