Dancing in the A Chorus Line Revival

[Ebonic_Singer]

Posted: 2/26/05 at 10:44pm

We all know that A Chorus Line is a very intense show dancewise. Do you think that the original choreography should be preserved for the revival, or new choreography should be created? Although it would be quite interesting to see a new interpretation of the various dances, a part of me wants to see the Cassie dance and the closing remain the same.

[timote316]

Posted: 2/26/05 at 10:57pm

Since its a show that's known for its dancing, I'd bet the choreography will remain intact for the most part. Maybe just updated?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 2/26/05 at 10:57pm

It's a moot question. Bob Avian who shared the Tony with Bennett for the original choreography would never make any significant changes (and John Breglio, co-executor of the Bennett estate wouldn't allow them, anyway). They both look upon their longtime friend Bennett as a god and I'm sure intend to revive the show as faithfully as possible to honor his memory.

[Ebonic_Singer]

Posted: 2/26/05 at 11:00pm

Well I didn't necessarily mean will they do it, but what your opinions was on whether it should be updated or not.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 3:58am

Well, considering that in "One" (Not the finale reprise), they are rehearsing the choreography as they sing the song (tip of the hat, 3,4....) They can't change that number, elst what they are saying/singing wouldnt connect..and believe me, i have seen productions of ACL where they completely ignore that. (they say "tip of the hat", but do a completely different move...) very weird.

[bjivie2]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 5:25am

I think it would be fine with updating the show and changing choreography, as long as the show kept "One" in it's original form to pay omage to Michael Bennett. That's going without saying that the choreography will, most likely, never match up to the original.

[mikeonbroadway]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 6:47am

I said it to the Fiddler revival and I'll say it to ACL (Which I love and will still see): Why revive a show if you aren't going to do something new with it? While the choreography is amazing (and everyone keeps mentioning 'One' what about the Opening number?) i'd like to see an interpretation on the original rather than a carbon copy.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 2:46pm

I said it to the Fiddler revival and I'll say it to ACL (Which I love and will still see): Why revive a show if you aren't going to do something new with it?

Probably because there's a new generation of theatregoers who have never experienced the magic of the original. I, for one, would love to see something that resembles the original A CHORUS LINE. Leveaux's FIDDLER did fiddle around with the material (from what I've heard, only in terms of tone and design), and the response has been, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 4:12pm

I'd be shocked to see huge changes.

[magruder]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 8:24pm

You revive Bennett and Robbins shows with the original choreography and staging, simply because they cannot be bettered by anyone working today.

[morosco]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 9:23pm

When I saw the archival tape a few years ago I was stunned at how amazing McKechnie was as she danced "The Music and the Mirror" but at the same time I was noticing how "70's" the choreography is. Or is it simply evidence that it's been so long since I've seen great choreography? God how I miss Michael Bennett!

[SeeIreallycouldn'tSING!!]

Posted: 2/27/05 at 10:47pm

I'm 17 and I know exactly what people mean when they say that they should update the dancing to todays people... to attract a younger audience.

The story of Chorus Line, goes so far beyond dancing, that no matter what kind of dancing is featured in show, the story will still mean the same thing.

The show will still take place in the 70s so, the dated chorography (Which in my opioon is better then the stuff we see today anyway) will fit perfect.

"One" could not be done with new chorography... it is the chorography that proves the point... it lets each member of the line (cut or not cut) have a tiny moment (when they step out) and then thats it... from there they make the wedge (and if they left out the wedge it would be a crime) and disapper into obsurity, which is the whole point of the show... so they can't change that...

As for the opening... the music itself is so dated, to put new steps to it would be terrible...

SOOOO Excited for the new show... has anyone heard any news about it! I feel like we got the annocment and never heard about it again.

I've seen the archival footage at Lincoln Center twice and LOVE it... I wish there was another way to see it. Do alot of people go and see it?