2024 marks 50 years of the groundbreaking musical A Chorus Line, first workshopped in 1974 at The Public Theater. Based on dancers Michon Peacock and Tony Steven’s idea for a dancers-only Broadway troupe, A Chorus Line is a complex fusion of song, dance, and compellingly authentic drama that was recognized as iconic right away. After the show’s premiere at The Public Theater in 1975, a New York Times review read: “the conservative word for A Chorus Line is tremendous, or perhaps terrific.”   

The show was not what audiences in 1975 would have considered an instant classic. With no set, costumes, central character, or intermission, it was a complete departure from what American musical theater had come to look like. Despite this, Broadway dancers Michon Peacock and Tony Stevens, choreographer Michael Bennett, and composer Marvin Hamlisch convinced producer Joseph Papp to follow this story of over two dozen dancers dancing it out for their chance onstage. 

50 years later, here at Temple Theaters, the story still rings true. Choreographer Shannon Murphy said of A Chorus Line, “As a professor of dance and movement, I feel a special affinity to training folks for these kinds of roles.” All this time later, the business of Broadway still makes this musical feel fresh and accurate to the casting process. “A Chorus Line thrives on the rich personal connections the actors have to the musical.” Director Christopher Windom said. “Our responsibility will be to not only give the actors a great experience of storytelling, dance and music, but to pass on the deeply felt legacy of every artist who has ever had a dream of performing in a Broadway musical.” 

A Chorus Line runs Sept. 27th-Oct. 6th in Tomlinson Theater. Tickets available here.