At a time when the Bronx was burning, and many Broadway theatres were shuttered, A Chorus Line revitalized the American Musical with a ground-breaking focus on an ensemble of individual characters inspired by the real lives of Broadway dancers. All-night rap sessions produced a series of tapes containing intimate details of the dancers’ drives, ambitions, dreams, and the daily challenges of existence in the theatre. Through a lengthy workshop process (unheard of at that time), these were woven into a piece that is both conceptually and structurally groundbreaking. Never before had American audiences heard a work that so seamlessly navigates show-stopping numbers, dialogue, montage, ensembles, and monologues. For those in the early audiences, it was nothing short of revolutionary.
A Chorus Line opened at the Shubert Theatre on Broadway July 25, 1975. An unprecedented box office and critically acclaimed hit, the musical won 9 Tony Awards, in addition to the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The original Broadway production ran for 6,137 performances over 15 years, becoming the longest-running production in Broadway history.
About the Production:
Milwaukee Opera Theatre and Theater RED lend their unique vision to this iconic musical with a cast of seasoned Milwaukee performers looking back on their careers. As they reaffirm their deep love for the performing arts, recalling “What I Did For Love”, they simultaneously continue to reinvent themselves at new auditions; their “I Hope I Get It” anthem ringing alongside the young up-and-coming artists.
Both Milwaukee Opera Theatre and Theater RED are committed to growth in craft for artists and emphasize the use of local talent. These 2 companies are proud to bring A CHORUS LINE to the Nancy Kendall Theater at Cardinal Stritch University with 100% local artists.
About Arts@Stritch
Arts@Stritch is a new performing arts series hosted by Cardinal Stritch University that presents exciting professional performances on the beautiful main campus in Glendale, WI. Inspired by the University’s rich Liberal Arts tradition, Arts@Stritch provides an opportunity to expand the landscape of exciting performing arts experiences for both the Cardinal Stritch community, and the greater Milwaukee area as a whole.