A Chorus Line Comes to Chicago
By Suzy Evans in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 20, 2009 3:20PM
If you’ve ever found yourself singing, “I really need this job. Oh God I need this job” you stole the lyric from A Chorus Line. Yes, that musical from the 1970s that immortalized the kick line. However, at the heart of the musical there’s an economic reality that is not so dissimilar from modern economic woes.
The musical premiered on Broadway in 1975, and only a year later, the unemployment rate was higher than it is today. Stagflation was raging, and people were discontent with the economy. Sound familiar? Of course you’re probably thinking: Wouldn’t dancers be unemployed even if the economy were booming? Well, maybe, but ultimately the show is about pursuing your dreams in the midst of hardship and never giving up.
The show ran on Broadway until 1990, making it one of the longest running shows in Broadway history and the longest running American musical on Broadway. It won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The touring production of the 2006 Broadway revival is coming to the Ford Center for the Performing Arts on April 14 for a three week engagement.
Going to the theater, especially larger productions, is undeniably difficult in this economy, we can safely say that this production is not to be missed. Not only does it have a pertinent topic, but also the original co-choreographer, Bob Avian, directs. The cast is supremely talented and though the story (a dance audition) and sets (the audition room) are simplistic, every song and dance number is personal and relevant to any audience. Sure it costs money to see the show, but if you’re going to be unemployed anyway, you might as well be doing something you love.
Opening night is April 14 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre. Individual tickets range in price from $18 to $85 and can be purchased at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St.); the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400; all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores); and online. Tickets are available to groups of 20 or more by calling (312) 977-1710
Photo by Paul Kolnik.