October 06, 2006

Broadway embraces 'A Chorus Line' revival

The first Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line" opened last night at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre to rave reviews, hampered only by the nostalgia for the original production which broke new ground in 1975.

The critics generally agree that despite some flaws, it's probably the best musical to hit Broadway this season.

To the score of Marvin Hamlisch, it recounts the stories of the normally uncelebrated "gypsies" trying out for a Broadway show. It's based on the lives of real people, who, by the way, are mostly still bitter they weren't better compensated for sharing their stories, the New York Times reported last week.

The revival is faithful to the original throughout, with direction from Bob Avian. "A Chorus Line" has an open-ended run at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, located at 236 W. 45th St., map.

A sample of the reviews:

New York Times - "Watching the show, directed by Bob Avian, is like drinking from a pitcher of draft beer: You never repeat the tang or sting of that first swig. But since that initial swallow is so ambrosial let us savor it."

Variety - "The thrill of discovery can never be repeated, and the legendary synergy of that first cast, many of whom were part of the development process, is lost forever. But this lovingly mounted replica gives ample evidence of what makes the show such a landmark."

Associated Press - "As dancers, this "Chorus Line" class of 2006 is first-rate, but more is needed to make the show completely successful, particularly if you are trying to replicate Bennett's 1975 production."

Post - " Though it closed 16 years ago after 6,137 performances, there are still plenty of people who didn't see it that first time around. And it's probably these people, even more than those driven by nostalgia, to whom Bob Avian's resuscitation of "A Chorus Line," which opened last night at the Schoenfeld, will most appeal."

Daily News - "The musical doesn't pack the one-two wallop of innovation and discovery it once did. How could it? But for its 2 hours and 10 minutes, it is still addictively entertaining."

Sun - "But a loyal coterie of "A Chorus Line" veterans have joined forces to create that rare breed of revival: a wholly faithful remounting that feels surprisingly new, one that pairs the superlative training of today's performers with the virtuosic, all-encompassing showmanship of a musical theater legend. Even when the material shows its age or when an occasional performance missteps, Bennett's sure-footed instincts shine through with crystalline precision."

Newsday - "But those of us who admired the show more for its brains than its manipulative soaper heart: Prepare to be accused again of kicking puppies."

Wall Street Journal - "Naturally, I wondered how such show-stoppers as "Dance, Ten; Looks, Three" and "What I Did for Love" had held up. I rejoice to say that they're as fresh as ever -- and that they profit from the sumptuous singing and dancing of a superlative cast."

Bloomberg - "With its ravishing score, engrossing book (you really care about who will make the final cut), superb scenic effects and riveting choreography, ``A Chorus Line'' easily outclasses most recent and current hit musicals."

Star - Ledger - "But plenty of younger people probably have never witnessed "A Chorus Line." They're fortunate -- and so are the rest of us -- that the production that opened Thursday at the Schoenfeld Theatre is a faithful and altogether loving re-creation of the late Michael Bennett's masterpiece. Welcome back, you beautiful thing."

October 6, 2006 08:36 AM in Broadway

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