"A Chorus Line" returns to Tulsa

One of the longest-running shows in Broadway history comes to Tulsa for the first time in more than a decade. A Chorus Line, the winner of the Pulitzer Prize, is an extraordinary musical event that tells the poignant story about the struggles and triumphs of life on Broadway.

The musical, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a book by James Kirkwood, Jr., and Nicholas Dante, is centered on 17 Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on the chorus line. The set is the bare state of a Broadway theater where the auditions are being held.

According to an article about the musical, “A Chorus Line provides a glimpse into the personalities of the performers and the choreographer as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers (Wikipedia).

“The show opens in the middle of an audition for an upcoming Broadway production. The formidable director Zach and his assistant choreographer Larry put the dancers through their paces. Every dancer is desperate for work.

After the next round of cuts, 17 dancers remain. Zach tells them he is looking for a strong dancing chorus of four boys and four girls. He wants to learn more about them, and asks the dancers to introduce themselves. With reluctance, the dancers reveal their pasts. The stories generally progress chronologically from early life experiences through adulthood to the end of a career.”

The production includes hit songs I Hope I Get It, I Can Do That, and many others, including the stunning, and probably most famous production number, One, performed by the whole company

The original Broadway production received 12 Tony Award nominations, and won nine, including Best Musical, Best Musical Book, Best Score, Best Director, and Best Choreography. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, one of the few musicals evert to receive that honor.

Tickets for performances January 15-16 and 21-24 are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.TulsaPAC.com, by phone at (918) 596-7111, or in person at TPAC’s box office located at 101 E. Third St. (Third and Cincinnati) in downtown Tulsa. Parental guidance suggested.

The Gayly - 1/10/2016 @ 2:25 am CST