The Shubert Theater welcomed singular sensation A Chorus LIne back to Broadway for a one-night-only 50th Anniversary Celebration benefit for the Entertainment Community Fund on Sunday, July 27.
As I’ve noted on The Randy Report in the past, A Chorus Line was (and still is) an important part of my acting career having danced in 2 national touring companies, performed in a tribute to original producer Joe Papp on Broadway at the Shubert, and directed the show in regional theaters many times.
Via Broadway Briefing:
The performance opened with the unmistakable rehearsal piano chords; “Again,” launching the evening’s core cast (on hand all night to perform many of the iconic numbers) into a full-out “I Hope I Get It.”
At the end of the number, it was members of the Original Broadway Cast standing on the line, holding their headshots. Cue the first standing ovation of the night. (Honestly, there were too many to count.)
Conceived, directed, and restaged by original cast member Baayork Lee, the celebration was an electric night of song, dance, tributes, and history.
Bebe Neuwirth reminded the audience that the funds raised supported the ECF’s Career Transition for Dancers and The Dancers’ Resource (founded by Neuwirth).
NY1’s Frank DiLella captured several clips of the event from the wings. Click below to play.
Highlights of the evening included:
• Jay Armstrong Johnson introduced original ‘Mike Costa’ Wayne Cilento, who reminisced about being part of “the original tapes” that inspired the musical, before Johnson performed “I Can Do That,” joined by a group of “Mikes” dancing in sync.
• Tony Award-winner and original cast member Kelly Bishop delivered “Sheila’s” monologue before “At the Ballet,” followed by Leigh Zimmerman (who won an Olivier for playing Sheila in the West End’s revival) joined by Krysta Rodriguez and Jessica Vosk performing the full number.
• Tony Award-winner Jennifer Simard scored with a hilarious “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three.”
• Tony Award-winner and original ‘Diana Morales’ Priscilla Lopez performed “Nothing.”
• Tony Award-winner and original ‘Cassie’ Donna McKechnie sang the opening of “The Music and the Mirror” which segued to several Cassies like Tony Award nominees Charlotte d’Amboise and Robyn Hurder, dancing out the full number.
• And Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose led the company in “What I Did for Love.”
Just a glimpse of Donna McKechnie, Robyn Hurder, Charlotte D’Amboise, Jessica Lee Goldyn and cast performing ‘The Music and the Mirror’ at A Chorus Line 50. Captured what I could! I hope there’s more out there. One of the best theatrical experiences of my life ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XOjfhDeige
— Robby Lerman (@RobbyLerman) July 28, 2025
In a nod to the show’s global impact, many songs were performed in multiple languages.
The evening also included an In Memoriam tribute to cast and creatives who have passed accompanied by the show’s original overture which was cut prior to the show’s opening in 1975 – marking the first time the piece had ever been played on Broadway.
And yes, the night concluded with “One,” performed by the core cast and joined by additional dancers who filled the aisles of the Shubert.
As the lights dimmed on that legendary kick-line, a note from Michael Bennett added to the the script of the show was projected above the dancers heads which read: “There are no additional bows leaving the audience with the image of a kickline that goes on forever.”
The original Broadway production scored 12 Tony Award nominations and won nine: Best Musical, Direction, Choreography, Book, Score, Lighting, Leading Actress (Donna McKechnie), Featured Actor (Sammy Williams) and Featured Actress (Kelly Bishop).
It ran for 15 years and was the longest-running Broadway show when it closed on April 28, 1990, playing 6,137 performances.
Congratulations to all for a spectacular event, and to everyone who ever fought for their “chance to dance.”
#WhatWeDidForLove
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