The Line: Casting Choices (within the show)

I think the people on the line originally chosen were "picked" -at least partially based on the strengths and look of the original cast.

Pam Blair, Donna McKechnie, Trish Garland, and Priscilla Lopez, for example, were definitely the strongest female dancers in the original production of ACL. Rene Baughman, who played Kristine, was, next to McKechnie probably the absolute best female dancer in the original cast - and during the first week at the Public Theatre, it was actually she and not Cassie who was chosen.

I think the "back in line" bit with Morales is simply a brilliant theatre device to keep the audience on its toes. When I played Zack, I simply played the bit as if he had put her card in the "no" pile by accident and quickly corrected himself.

Updated On: 2/8/07 at 09:23 PM

In a regional theatre production a few years ago - contrary to popular belief - I'm not quite old enough to have been in the original production

Hey!

*Margo pours herself another cup of Geritol and goes back to watching a Matlock rerun*

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To answer your original question, I think that it was probably Bobby who took Paul's place.

It's funny how in the movie, for some odd reason we will probably never know (along like many others with that movie), Judy is not picked and it is Bebe who is picked. To me, Janet Jones would be a heck of a easier to believe as being picked.

Slight threadjack but Don't you love the little "sex pot" Judy that Janet had going on instead of the tall and akward Judy?

i always thought it would be great if zach chose different people every night.. i know that sounds gimmicky (or very EDWIN DROOD) but it sure would be interesting

Um...broadwaystar, the ones who DO make it come out, b/c the cut dancers are doing their quick changes.

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No, he is unvieled at the very last, when they start the wedge.

Granted, I may be remembering wrong, it's been a while, but I'm pretty sure he's not out until the wedge, b/c he leads it, with Shelia flanking him.

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Paul leaves the stage when everybody comes out. Then he comes back on just before the wedge.

ETA: Never mind. WestVillage said it.

Updated On: 2/9/07 at 02:16 PM

It was told to me, that "zach" picks the people who have no "alternatives"....(in the alternatives section)....only those who can live, eat, sleep theater/performing are kept.

connie- wants to retire to vermont, dance around her kitchen cooking- CUT
shelia- tired of being a chorus cutie, wants to open a dance studio - CUT
don- stage manager? - CUT
bebe- "i can't take it"- CUT

the list goes on...those who have that fire, the strongest of body AND mind....they are all kept.

It is said that "zach" (michael bennett) was manipulitive in that way. He couldn't make up his mind in the show....so he gets to know them and sees who is going to work the hardest for him.

the only iffy one is Val, but it was rumored that he was having an affair with her at the time.

This is all information from an orignal cast memeber....not talking out of my butt here.

no you wouldn't...you would be THRILLED to be cast. either way.

Mercades, I guess that answer would make sense for most of the dancers, but what about Richie who comes out and says "There's no security" and "no work anymore?" and "the only chorus line you can depend on is the one at unemployment" or on the opposite end with Maggie who says "I can't think of anything else I'd do"

I think it's fun to figure out why Zach cast who he cast (at least in the revival).

I think the guys in the revival are all around much more talented than the girls.

Paul McGill, Jeffrey Schecter, and Ken Alan are, in my opinion, the top male dancers (and in that order, I'm going to say). Tony Yazbeck is probably the best male singer on the stage, followed by Schecter. I don't think Yazbeck is as strong a dancer as the others.

I know I am in the minority, but I enjoy Charlotte. I think the dancing in MUSIC AND THE MIRROR is not her fault. It was choreographed for someone with a different body than hers.

Mara Davi obviously has the best vocals on the stage, followed by Natalie Cortez. I always though Davi's Maggie did a better job than Heather Parcells' Judy. But seeing it again, I realized Judy is just a ball of energy running around the stage. Maggie is more subdued and doesn't do anything to stand out. Plus, Judy is tall and thin and just looks like a chorus girl.