8/10
'What they did for love...'
15 November 2009
For the legions of theater lovers who treasure A CHORUS LINE this informative and fascinating little film will bring memories and tears and satisfaction. The story behind the film is a documentary of sorts that examines the remake of the now nearly thirty-five year old Broadway sensation of a show that was created by Michael Bennett from a recorded conversation with 'gypsies' (a common term for those who work the chorus line). The road from conception to completion for the original show is mirrored by the struggles to cast this re-staging. We are privileged to observe scores of talented dancer/singers as they try to satisfy the team that will have the final say in who is selected for the production. Those familiar with the original cast as well as the movie version or one of the many traveling troupes that have keep this show alive will make their own decisions about who is best for each of the roles. This provides a very immediate replay of the original idea, watching the reactions of each of the people who audition, learning about their own lives, and the importance that appearing in this production means to each. They take what could have been an insider's story and make it viable - which most certainly adds to the joy of seeing and hearing bits and pieces of one of the best shows Broadway ever produced. There is a lot of humor here, some very gut wrenching drama (as we see one of the dancers recreate Paul's monologue), and load of fine memories.

Grady Harp
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