Brian's NYC

When I think of Broadway’s longest running shows, I think of flashing lights on a marquee showcasing legendary productions. I also think of signature moments, including a chandelier crashing down on a stage filled with operatic sopranos, nimble dancers prancing in nothing but fur, the remnants of a barricade, and of course, the golden sequined chorus line performed in front of a wall of mirrors.
At first I was disappointed to hear that the current revival of A Chorus Line would not be a revival as much as it would be a recreation of the original production. Usually, with a revival, a show is fancied up a bit. It may be sacrilege, but I felt like A Chorus Line could easily be updated with a few line changes and some new costume designs. The themes and music is so universal that it would work in any setting, with the exception of all of the references from the 1970’s. Don’t get me wrong, A Chorus Line is brilliant in any capacity. Well, perhaps with the exception of the film. But the original stage version, certainly, is as universal and moving and relevant today as it was the day it first opened in July of 1975 at the Shubert Theater (yes, I had that sitting on the top of my head, thank you very much). We all share similar experiences to the characters in the show, and we can see ourselves in all of them. I share Diana’ insecurities about her talents, Val’s self-conscious personality, Richie’s fight against a fall-back career, and Paul’s desire to be loved and validated.
I have seen the show before, but never on Broadway. Or in New York, for that matter. There is a specific appreciation for it when you see it amid such a thriving theatrical community. And as a struggling actor myself, there is an even deeper level of appreciation I get from seeing it in the city where I’ve been transplanted to follow my dreams. The passion and excitement spilling from the performers in the show is palpable, and I shared in the excitement when I saw it a few weeks ago, knowing that I was partaking in something that would once again make a mark in theatrical history.
My Dad used to always talk about living in New York after he graduated from college, and how many times he saw A Chorus Line (I think 8 was his attendance record, which is nothing compared to how many times those crazy kids have seen Rent, or Spring Awakening, but still a lot for any show, especially an influential one like A Chorus Line). And now I feel closer to him in the sense that I too can share in the excitement and passion of such a, well, passionate and exciting show. I guess I felt the same way about Rent when the novelty of the revolutionary show was still fresh to me, but I now see what he was able to relate to in the show, and I feel as though I am filling his shoes 20 years later. It’s amazing how history repeats itself.