Overview
Synopsis
A Chorus Line examines one day in the lives of seventeen dancers, all vying for a spot in the “chorus line” of a Broadway musical. After the first round of cuts, Zach, the director and choreographer, asks each dancer to speak about themselves. Discomfort opens into revelation, confession leads to redemption, and within the bright, outwardly homogenous chorus, the audience begins to see each dancer’s individuality. From Cassie, the star who just needs the “music and the mirror and the chance to dance,” to Val, a small-town girl with a brand-new big-town body, to Mike, who took his sister’s place in dance class, saying “I can do that.” Based on real Broadway dancers’ stories, as told to fellow dancer and choreographer Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line is funny, heartbreaking, and refreshingly honest.
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Context
Beginning in 1974, dancers Michon Peacock, Tony Stevens, and Michael Bennett began a series of taped workshop sessions with fellow Broadway “gypsies.” In these sessions, the dancers talked about their childhoods, their roads to becoming professional dancers, their fears, their hopes, and their thoughts about the business. These tapes provided the content for workshop productions of the musical that would eventually become A Chorus Line.
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Zach and his assistant Larry are holding dance auditions for an upcoming Broadway show. At the audition is a large, diverse group of dancers, all of whom wear leotards of various styles and numbers on their chests. The dancers are all desperate to get a job (“I Hope I Get It”). Zach and Larry teach them a jazz combination and a ballet combination. The first cut occurs, and 17 dancers remain. Zach tells the auditioners that he wants to get to know a bit more about them. The dancers are
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Interactive Character Map
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Understand the relationships that shape the story of A Chorus Line
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Character Portrayals
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Monologues
Songs
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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
The Search for Identity
One of the most prominent themes of A Chorus Line is the struggle to define oneself in a profession that often reduces performers to a number. The audition forces each dancer to strip away their carefully constructed stage persona and reveal their true selves—sometimes reluctantly, sometimes joyfully. Their stories highlight the tension between individuality and conformity, as each performer longs to be recognized as unique but knows they must
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from A Chorus Line and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Key Terms
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
The art of designing and arranging movement sequences for theatrical dance and physical storytelling.
A concept musical is a type of musical structured around a central idea, theme, or message rather than a straightforward linear plot. Songs, characters, and scenes are often arranged to explore this unifying concept from different perspectives. This style allows for greater experimentation and can blend satire, social commentary, or abstract storytelling.
The creative leader of a theatrical production, responsible for interpreting the script and guiding the cast and crew.
A performance style where a performer adopts exaggerated gender expression, often for satire, art, or celebration.
A performance technique in which dialogue and action are created spontaneously. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
The complete text of an opera, musical, or other extended vocal work, including all spoken dialogue and lyrics. The libretto provides the dramatic structure and narrative arc, serving as a guide for both performers and directors to align story and music.
Short for mezzo-soprano, a female voice type that sits between soprano and contralto, common in opera and musical theatre.
A sentimental ballad about unrequited love, often featured in musicals or cabaret performances.
A developmental process for a theatrical work involving readings, rehearsals, and informal performances to refine material.
