It has been 50 years since A Chorus Line officially opened Off-Broadway at the Public Theater, ushering in a legendary run that would change the industry forever more. The show—created by Michael Bennett, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante.—used real-life interviews with Broadway dancers to form the basis of its story: about the inner lives and struggles of dancers who audition for a Broadway show.
It opened at the Public April 15, 1975 before transferring to Broadway in July of that year. It then ran at the Sam S. Shubert Theatre for 15 years, becoming the then-longest-running show in Broadway history.
The Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical remains a beloved classic, with songs such as "What I Did For Love" and "At the Ballet" become musical theatre standards. It's also inspired legions of dancers to act and actors to dance through countless touring productions, regional stagings, and community shows over the intervening 50 years.
Below, original cast member Baayork Lee, who has served as the trusted steward of the show following the death of original creator Michael Bennett, reflects on the shows legacy half a century later.
Looking back 50 years later, what does A Chorus Line mean to you today?
Baayork Lee: It means that we have survived, still thriving and passing it on to the next generation and that is the most important thing to me today. I have spent my career ensuring A Chorus Line lives on from Spain to Pittsburgh to Atlanta to Australia and more. This show is the best thing that ever happened to me and I am proud to continue its legacy over these last few decades. And, I have been waiting to celebrate its 50th anniversary for quite a while—what a night!
What do you think it was about A Chorus Line that resonated so deeply with audiences then—and continues to do so now?
It is so relatable to everyone, whether you are in theatre or in the outside world. These stories are personal and so many people have gone through something similar. And, it’s obvious to every audience member that we love what we do—that’s undeniable.
The show’s development was incredibly unique, due to Michael Bennett’s use of workshop-style rehearsals. What was that creative process like for you?
It was amazing, frightening, and daring. We were the first work in progress and workshop, so being a pioneer, we just had to trust Michael and his instincts. The tape sessions lasted what felt like forever, and we had no idea what would come out of them. But, we were honest and we trusted him.
What was it like for you to play out your personal stories as your characters every night?
It got harder and harder as we became separated from that version of ourselves. We were getting steady paychecks and getting recognition. Many of us didn’t have acting lessons so we had to figure out to continue to play that version of ourselves, even after we had grown up.
What advice would you give to young female dancers today who are facing struggles with body image, career longevity, or being taken seriously beyond the chorus?
Never give up! Believe in yourself! Continue on your journey and not someone else’s. You must work hard to make it in this business and that includes defining your own journey. I have met so many young women that are making a name for themselves and it just brings me great joy!
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How do you feel about younger generations discovering and performing A Chorus Line today?
I am absolutely thrilled that the new generation continues to want and absorb the original choreography and intention of the show. I am honored to pass it on to them and have done so all over the world. In our production at City Springs Theatre Company [in Georgia], I included members of their youth pre-professional company as both cut dancers and two of the conservatory students made it on the line as Mark and Judy. They were both age 18. I believe in engaging the next generation and that’s one of my most favorite parts of working with City Springs Theatre Company—their youth programs.
What do you hope A Chorus Line’s legacy will be in another 50 years?
I hope that Michael Bennett and Bob Avian’s vision is passed on and continues to live on for another 50 years. I want dancers around the world to keep their legacy alive. And, that’s what I try to do. I try to pass on the choreography and the intention behind the show so that the legacy will always live on.
Check out a video below, filmed at Georgia's City Springs Theatre Company, where Lee and her fellow A Chorus Line original cast members, Tony winner Priscilla Lopez and Tony winner Kelly Bishop, reflected on the auspicious anniversary with television personality Paul Milliken.
