In the mid-70's, I was in Middle school when my musical theater class went to see A Chorus Line. We had an amazing teacher, who took us to see shows on Broadway often. I sang that original cast album during all of my teen years. It gave me strength to 'carry on'. I'm grateful to say, I had a long career as a ballet dancer in 3 different countries, with many tours all over the world and now reside and work in Europe. Recently, and after about 30 years of not hearing the album I downloaded it on iTunes and listened to it in order. I cried my eyes out, seeing my childhood bedroom in my mind's eye and feeling all the uncertainty of the time in my heart - wondering if I would indeed be able to pursue a full time career . Listening to these interviews has been incredible. Thank you so much for sharing. 💖
*OMG! OMG! OMG!* What a piece of theater history this video is! Rick, please don't *ever* take it down from RUclips. I saw "A Chorus Line" twice at the Shubert in its first season; two of the greatest nights in my theater-going life. On the second occasion, it was the final night that the original cast was appearing together on Broadway, and the theater was tight with security, because the King of Sweden was in the audience. We got the tickets at the last minute; they were available only at Joe Papp's Public Theater, and each ticket carried a mandatory $25 charitable contribution to the Public, above the price of a seat. Can you imagine! To say that my life was changed, at 25, by "A Chorus Line" is an extreme understatement.
I love that even if people don't know which characters these peoples' stories inspired they can tell WHO's WHO, I literally laughed out loud at everything Kelly said the way I did the first time I heard Sheila speak onstage. Great job Rick.
+Jesse Luttrell - thanks! I know you know your stuff, so I am even more grateful for your kind words. Hope to do you proud with the new film - coming at the end of the year! xoxo
Postscript (see my previous comment): I just finished watching this for the second consecutive time, and tears are running down my face. I wish I had a way of attaching the 1976 photo of me in my "A Chorus Line" t-shirt (I still have the shirt!).
Oh please don't cut a single second from this. It is so wonderful to hear how this great musical was created. PLEASE, PLEASE don't be concerned about polishing it. This is the real deal -- love it ~!,~
They had me bawling more than once as I was watching this, though of course, some parts were so funny. Love Kelly Bishop's frankness that while Michael Bennett was a big draw for a lot of people to the sessions, for her it was a temptation to stay away... also adore her standing up to the notion that the women should get to opt out on sharing their ages, and her honesty about her own ego. Totally relate to the speaker who talks about crying whenever she emotionally connects with something. I've been like that since I was 7.
What a treasure indeed. I'm transfixed and find myself watching it and then starting it over again and again. Such a godsend to be able to hear and see these stories. Thank you, thank you, thank you....
I had heard over the years one or two who things were based on, and was looking for just the names to read their stories. This was so great. I only wish i i could see all these interviews. and hear the audio, i had no idea this meeting happened LOL I want it like crack LOL. The big stars are boring, these are the voices that you usually never get and they are so much more interesting. Thanks for this
God, if ONLY one of these great talents had thought of asking a lawyer about their Rights, they'd ALL be on easy street today financially. Famous remark: When a lawyer FINALLY looked at their one dollar agreement with Michael Bennett, he was asked what he thought. The lawyer responded, "I think this qualifies as the new definition for Dumb Chorus Gypsy.
This is great. I knew all about the taped sessions, and the dance class, but it's so great to put faces to this wonderful part of history. A good friend of mine, Sammy, was the dance captain and swing for this. Not the 1st year, but I believe shortly after that. Thanks for this
AWESOME! I have adored this show since I first saw it on a trip to San Francisco and have seen it more times than any other - in SF, in Seattle, in LA, and finally in New York. This footage is fabulous; a treasure. (P.S. I hate the movie.)
Where are Kay Cole, Ronnie Dennis, Rick Mason, the original Bebe (before Nancy Lane), Clive Clerk (he played Larry Fuller, correct?), Michael Serrecchia (sp?) et al? We’re they not at that original gathering too? Or, did they come into the workshops later?
I just discovered this. I have been a huge Chorus Line fan from the beginning and have seen it many times. I am so, so fascinated by the story of how it came to be and watching this video was like finding he holy grail! So much info I hadn't heard before. Thank you so much for sharing - I really, really enjoyed it! (So Baayork wasn't really there that night? Did they add her story later?)
Thank you katwil89 - your kind words mean a lot to me. Keep your eye out for our new, upcoming film, "Broadway: BEYOND the Golden Age" where there is a lot of great A CHORUS LINE that you will love. Our website is not up to date at the moment, but it will be as we get closer to releasing as the movie gets closer later in the year: www.broadwaythemovie.com - and yes, Baayork declined to come that night! But, there were interviews done later and her/Connie Wong's story was added. I really think the creation of ACL is as interesting as the show is. When I finish my "Rick McKay's Broadway: The Golden Age Film Trilogy" I may very well do a feature length documentary about the creation of A Chorus Line in time for the 50the anniversary - if the trilogy hasn't killed me by then - ha! Thank you again for taking the time to write such nice things katwil89.
I was also a product of the Buffalo public High School system. Michael from BENNETT, me from SOUTH PARK. He about 7 yrs before me. This extraordinary remembrance says it all. Here they held back from saying how much money they lost by selling their souls for a buck. Shameful. They however, after all the road companies around the world, albums, posters and revivals, will never be touched as the original very best cast EVER!!!
How is it shameful? Bennett gave them a portion of his earnings from the show. He didn't have to do that. No one would know their stories without "A Chorus LIne".
Check out this article about how the Chorus Line came to be: www.musicoholics.com/backstage-stories/behind-the-curtain-the-true-stories-of-a-chorus-line/
In the mid-70's, I was in Middle school when my musical theater class went to see A Chorus Line. We had an amazing teacher, who took us to see shows on Broadway often. I sang that original cast album during all of my teen years. It gave me strength to 'carry on'. I'm grateful to say, I had a long career as a ballet dancer in 3 different countries, with many tours all over the world and now reside and work in Europe. Recently, and after about 30 years of not hearing the album I downloaded it on iTunes and listened to it in order. I cried my eyes out, seeing my childhood bedroom in my mind's eye and feeling all the uncertainty of the time in my heart - wondering if I would indeed be able to pursue a full time career . Listening to these interviews has been incredible. Thank you so much for sharing. 💖
*OMG! OMG! OMG!*
What a piece of theater history this video is! Rick, please don't *ever* take it down from RUclips. I saw "A Chorus Line" twice at the Shubert in its first season; two of the greatest nights in my theater-going life. On the second occasion, it was the final night that the original cast was appearing together on Broadway, and the theater was tight with security, because the King of Sweden was in the audience. We got the tickets at the last minute; they were available only at Joe Papp's Public Theater, and each ticket carried a mandatory $25 charitable contribution to the Public, above the price of a seat. Can you imagine!
To say that my life was changed, at 25, by "A Chorus Line" is an extreme understatement.
I love that even if people don't know which characters these peoples' stories inspired they can tell WHO's WHO, I literally laughed out loud at everything Kelly said the way I did the first time I heard Sheila speak onstage. Great job Rick.
+Jesse Luttrell - thanks! I know you know your stuff, so I am even more grateful for your kind words. Hope to do you proud with the new film - coming at the end of the year! xoxo
+Rick McKay's Second Act Productions Yes! I can't wait!
I'm glad you added Tony Stevens into this mix. Its about time he got some credit for this beginning.
Postscript (see my previous comment): I just finished watching this for the second consecutive time, and tears are running down my face. I wish I had a way of attaching the 1976 photo of me in my "A Chorus Line" t-shirt (I still have the shirt!).
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!! For filming it and for sharing it!! What a treasure.
I can't stop smiling... and shedding tears.. Can't wait for the rest of this project.
Incredible! To learn more about the genesis of a show that changed my life as it did for so many, is magnificent. Thank you. David Bedella
An amazing chapter in our history. Every dancer will love and cherish it.
Oh please don't cut a single second from this. It is so wonderful to hear how this great musical was created. PLEASE, PLEASE don't be concerned about polishing it. This is the real deal -- love it ~!,~
Wonderful and moving. A must-watch for every musical theatre fan.
This is incredible. So glad l watched it.
This footage is absolutely incredible! A true gem! God love Rick McCay, so sorely missed. Thank you so much for keeping this RUclips post alive! 💖❤️💖
They had me bawling more than once as I was watching this, though of course, some parts were so funny. Love Kelly Bishop's frankness that while Michael Bennett was a big draw for a lot of people to the sessions, for her it was a temptation to stay away... also adore her standing up to the notion that the women should get to opt out on sharing their ages, and her honesty about her own ego. Totally relate to the speaker who talks about crying whenever she emotionally connects with something. I've been like that since I was 7.
What a treasure indeed. I'm transfixed and find myself watching it and then starting it over again and again. Such a godsend to be able to hear and see these stories. Thank you, thank you, thank you....
RIP RICK
I had heard over the years one or two who things were based on, and was looking for just the names to read their stories. This was so great. I only wish i i could see all these interviews. and hear the audio, i had no idea this meeting happened LOL I want it like crack LOL. The big stars are boring, these are the voices that you usually never get and they are so much more interesting. Thanks for this
Thank you for providing this history and saving memories.
from fresh faces to wizened conquerors!!!!! Oh god I love this.
wow! totally mesmerizing-- brilliantly put together. kudos to you,rick
God, if ONLY one of these great talents had thought of asking a lawyer about their Rights, they'd ALL be on
easy street today financially. Famous remark: When a lawyer FINALLY looked at their one dollar agreement
with Michael Bennett, he was asked what he thought. The lawyer responded, "I think this qualifies as the
new definition for Dumb Chorus Gypsy.
Thank you.
And the Post Script is hilarious!
Chorus Line was such a part of my youth and my heart. I was dating Thommie, chanting with Michon, and I went to Japan with Nick.
Absolutely fascinating! I cannot wait to see your next installment -BEYOND THE GOLDEN YEARS - I just love these stories!
We'll be producing this show next spring, and what a wealth of history to be able to share with our cast!
Thank you,this the best of all the interviews I've seen.
This is great. I knew all about the taped sessions, and the dance class, but it's so great to put faces to this wonderful part of history. A good friend of mine, Sammy, was the dance captain and swing for this. Not the 1st year, but I believe shortly after that. Thanks for this
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
BRILLIANT
This is wonderful! Thank you so much for posting!
Superb!!!!
AWESOME! I have adored this show since I first saw it on a trip to San Francisco and have seen it more times than any other - in SF, in Seattle, in LA, and finally in New York. This footage is fabulous; a treasure. (P.S. I hate the movie.)
Just terrific. Thank you so much for sharing this. :)
Love it! Awesome channel! Can't wait to watch what else you guys come out with.
YOU ARE THE BEST!!!
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you!
this is amazing - thank you!
Loving this!
+JarrodnGreg - Thanks JarrodnGreg!
Fascinating!
This is great!!
Great video!
Where are Kay Cole, Ronnie Dennis, Rick Mason, the original Bebe (before Nancy Lane), Clive Clerk (he played Larry Fuller, correct?), Michael Serrecchia (sp?) et al? We’re they not at that original gathering too? Or, did they come into the workshops later?
I just discovered this. I have been a huge Chorus Line fan from the beginning and have seen it many times. I am so, so fascinated by the story of how it came to be and watching this video was like finding he holy grail! So much info I hadn't heard before. Thank you so much for sharing - I really, really enjoyed it! (So Baayork wasn't really there that night? Did they add her story later?)
Thank you katwil89 - your kind words mean a lot to me. Keep your eye out for our new, upcoming film, "Broadway: BEYOND the Golden Age" where there is a lot of great A CHORUS LINE that you will love. Our website is not up to date at the moment, but it will be as we get closer to releasing as the movie gets closer later in the year: www.broadwaythemovie.com - and yes, Baayork declined to come that night! But, there were interviews done later and her/Connie Wong's story was added. I really think the creation of ACL is as interesting as the show is. When I finish my "Rick McKay's Broadway: The Golden Age Film Trilogy" I may very well do a feature length documentary about the creation of A Chorus Line in time for the 50the anniversary - if the trilogy hasn't killed me by then - ha! Thank you again for taking the time to write such nice things katwil89.
I will keep an eye out for your film - can't wait!
They were tricked and robbed.😢
Anyone got a picture or Mr Carp? LOL
I was also a product of the Buffalo public High School system. Michael from BENNETT, me from SOUTH PARK. He about 7 yrs before me. This extraordinary remembrance says it all. Here they held back from saying how much money they lost by selling their souls for a buck. Shameful. They however, after all the road companies around the world, albums, posters and revivals, will never be touched as the original very best cast EVER!!!
How is it shameful? Bennett gave them a portion of his earnings from the show. He didn't have to do that. No one would know their stories without "A Chorus LIne".
Check out this article about how the Chorus Line came to be: www.musicoholics.com/backstage-stories/behind-the-curtain-the-true-stories-of-a-chorus-line/