The show is pretty universal in most parts...but Hello 12, Hello 13...are they going to leave the Robert Goulet, Steve McQueen and Troy Donahue references in? I mean, why date the show so much when that little piece could be edited very easily? Do you think they'll pick new actors to put in, and if so, who?
Nope - look at the pictures - they're wearing the same costumes - the show is going to continue to be set in the 70's.
As well it should be. That's the time the show is set in. They don't need to update, the audience should be willing to travel back in time with the show! JMO
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
I think it has to remain in the 1970s. There's too much that would have to change to update it.
What else would need to be updated?
The orchestratons, the "Music and the Mirror" dance break...
I suppose -- maybe I'm in a minority on this, but I think the show could be made universal very easily by changing just a few of the 70s references. While I certainly love the show as it is (it's the first show I ever saw after all), I think to try to attract the younger audience I think this is one show that CAN be changed without REALLY losing anything EXCEPT for its "70s-ishness." Of course, if it was done badly, I'd be pissed, so maybe it's better they just leave it alone after all.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
Just off the top of my head:
The audition takes place in a theater. Nobody auditions in a theater anymore.
Bobby has a monologue that says his father told friends that his son had polio and Bobby makes a remark about "limping" for his father. The polio vaccine has pretty much wiped it out.
The show would have to acknowledge AIDS since it affected so many dancers.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/25/05
I don't think A Chorus Line works near as well if it's updated. I just did a production of it (will update av & sig soon) and we tried to set it in 1981. Overall, the show was great, but the refrences were a little akward. We changed some of them ("Ed Sullivan" to "Star Search"), but others such as Robert Goulet were left. All of our coustumes and hair were '80s (very '80s - especially the hair) though.
I don't understand why people want things updated to reflect the times. This show takes place in the 70's. We as audience members should be able to understand that and go with it. I personally hope to be transported back to the time that I saw it on Broadway in the 70's. I saw a touring production where they updated the costumes a bit. And that alone took away from the show. JMO
"If Hasselhoff can be a movie star, than i can be a movie star."
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/25/05
LOL, mateo!!!
Justin Timberlake, Justin Timberlake...My God, Justin Timberlake!
Updating A CHORUS LINE would be completely stupid.
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
I guess we'll see if audiences still want to see this show when it opens. I don't really like the 70s sound, but maybe the live orchestrations will make it feel less 70s.
They probably won't.
And why would they? THE SHOW TAKES PLACE IN THE 70'S!!!!
Why would you want a show that takes place in the 70's to not sound like it takes place in the 70's?
Period shows are a GOOD thing.
"My God, that JT's real sexy, Brad Pitt out, Timberlake in!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
When was the last time there were theaters on 42nd Street that had "real freaky scenes" going on that Paul had to move down front alone as a little boy so that he could see the screen?
As far as I know, The Jewel Box Revue stopped touring in 1975. And contrary to Nicholas Dante, sorry, I mean PAUL's monologue, the actors in that tour were treated like royalty. There's no equivalent experience for Paul to lament in the modern era.
I am looking forward to seeing this. And I am glad they are leaving it as is
If it's not broke, don't fix it
Leave "A Chorus Line" in 1975! Enjoy the time period, the music, and the play itself!
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