Celebrating The 50th Anniversary Of ‘A Chorus Line’

“Who have you been with my son?” Funny you should ask…

Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, listening to original Broadway cast recordings in the mid-70s, I somehow discovered A Chorus Line.

Unlike anything in my dad’s record collection, it was dynamic, and cool, and mysterious (“Give me somebody to dance for…”), and…..some stuff I didn’t understand (yet).

Then, during my freshman year of college, I saw the show on Broadway at the Shubert Theater in 1981 – and it flew by! Like the album but on steroids.

And all the stories! Brilliant, and raw, and funny.

And somewhere up there – I saw…me.

Who would guess in a few short years I’d be cast in a national touring company starring the original Tony Award winner, Donna McKechnie and directed by original cast member Baayork Lee (‘Connie’)?

Today the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening night of A Chorus Line on Broadway and I applaud everyone who’s ever stood on the line – sharing the many stories of how and why we worked so hard for ‘the chance to dance.’

”The gift was ours to borrow…”

What an incredible gift this show has been to me. From playing ‘Mark’ and ‘Bobby’ (and subbing in for ‘Mike,’ ‘Al,’ and ‘Richie’) to directing the show and passing on what I learned from Donna, Baayork, Kay Cole (original ‘Maggie’), and my dear wonderful Thommie Walsh.

To everyone who brought these stories to life, I say thank you.

#whatididforlove

Original Broadway cast members will reunite for one night only for A CHORUS LINE OFFICIAL 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.https://t.co/NLRycy4MY8#achorusline #broadway

— broadway.com (@broadwaycom) June 16, 2025

For fans of the show, this Sunday, July 27, there will be a very special “A Chorus Line Official 50th Anniversary Celebration” at the Shubert Theatre benefiting the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund).

Directed and choreographed by original 1975 cast member Baayork Lee, the concert stars original cast members Kelly Bishop, Wayne Cilento, Priscilla Lopez and Donna McKechnie, with special performances from Broadway favorites Charlotte d’Amboise (Chicago), Jessica Lee Goldyn (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Robyn Hurder (SMASH), Francis Jue (Yellowface), Krysta Rodriguez (SMASH), Jessica Vosk (Hell’s Kitchen), Anthony Wayne (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical), Tony Yazbeck (Flying Over Sunset) and more.

And hit this link to watch a discussion panel featuring original 1975 cast members Kelly Bishop, Baayork Lee, Priscilla Lopez, and Donna McKechnie streaming today thanks to the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The chat begins about the 7 minute mark.

p.s. If you know the show, you know the line from “Mark’s” monologue I quote to begin this post.

One singular sensation. One night only. The legacy returns home! ✨

See the A Chorus Line 50th Anniversary Concert at the Shubert Theatre on July 27 only, benefiting @ALifeInTheArts. Directed and choreographed by original 1975 cast member Baayork Lee, the concert stars original… pic.twitter.com/Dj6rxTo3XE — Marvin Hamlisch (@marvinhamlisch) June 16, 2025