Date: Fri 07-Feb-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SUEZ

Illustration: C

Location: A12

Quick Words:

Chorus-Line-Shubert-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "A Chorus Line" @Shubert, 2/7/97)

Theatre Review-

Broadway Comes To The Shubert

(with photo)

By June April

NEW HAVEN - And a one, two, three, step, kick, kick, leap, kick...

A Chorus Line is still alive and kicking at the Shubert in New Haven. If you

missed it on Broadway, you have until February 16 to see and hear this

award-winning production in New Haven.

Based on the real experiences of his friends, the late Michael Bennett

conceived and directed A Chorus Line in 1975. Marvin Hamlisch was brought in

to write the music to James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante's book. And Edward

Kleban was asked to add his talents in writing the lyrics to the ten

sensational songs.

Though Cats may surpass Chorus Line as the longest running play on Broadway,

there is no way the music compares. "One" is forever embedded in the memory;

the poignant "At the Ballet" and "Nothing" bring tears to audience's eyes; and

the funny and sassy "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three" is one of the most upbeat

production numbers ever seen on Broadway. Each and every one of the musical

numbers is a gem!

Opening at Broadway's Shubert Theater in July 1975, A Chorus Line was an

immediate smash. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize, nine Tony Awards, a New

York Drama Critics Circle Award, and five Drama Desk Awards. It was made into

a movie, which did not have the magic of the stage version, but the staged

version continues to be one of the classics of musical theater.

This creation was a first in telling a story as a collection rather than as a

straight storyline. The individual experiences of dancers, from many diverse

backgrounds, is sensitively shared and the sense of desperation and

competition makes audiences aware that a Broadway show, or any show for that

matter, is a success based on loss and tears, as well as very, very hard work.

The sets (literally) reflect dancers and audience, and added a special

dimension to the current New Haven production. Set designer Robin Wagner is

also a professor of theater arts at Columbia and includes in his impressive

credits Hair, Dreamgirls, City of Angels and Jesus Christ Superstar , to name

but a few.

The Connecticut production is directed and choreographed by Baayrok Lee, one

of the original cast members of A Chorus Line . She created the character

Connie Wong based on her own life experiences.

It has been many years since this reviewer has seen A Chorus Line on Broadway.

The memory and pleasure of that experience is still fresh and vivid. Seeing it

on opening night in New Haven - February 4 - was not the same pitch of

pleasure or excitement. For others who have already been to Broadway, it might

be best to leave that experience untouched. It might be better to listen to

the soundtrack recording and let your imagination re-create the rest.

For the new generation and those who missed going to Broadway, be sure not to

miss this opportunity. It is a piece of history, a chunk of entertainment and

a whole lot of fun.

Speaking of Broadway, and Shubert's Broadway Series, last Friday and Saturday

the Shubert presented two great talents: Leslie Uggams and Ben Vereen. These

two singers did a variety show of Broadway songs and related personal memories

of their early days and friends from the stage. Ms Uggams was especially

touching when she spoke of her close relationship with Louis Armstrong when

she performed at the legendary Apollo Theater. He was her "Pops," she said.

Watching Ben Vereen was more than listening to a singer; the man has a face

that acts a song as well as sings its lyrics. When he sang "Dream the Dream"

from the Broadway hit Les Miserables , for instance, he transformed himself

from an old, old man who becomes young in his recollection of his youth, then

fades once again into infirmity.

Tickets for A Chorus Line range from $28 to $55 each, with performances Friday

and Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday at 7 pm; Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 pm; and

2 pm matinees on weekends. Be forewarned: Chorus Line runs two hours, without

an intermission. For tickets call Pro-Tix, 800/955-5566.