What makes/made "A Chorus Line" such a smash hit?
Why did people go to see it for 15 years on Broadway? Why did the recent revival
earn back its investment so quickly? Why is the current tour of the revival
doing so well wherever it plays? Why has A Chorus Line been done by every high
school, college, regional andamateur theatre group? What is it about A Chorus
Line makes it so welcome in every country in every language?

Yes the music, the dancing, acting and singing all work perfectly together.
The longing, the sadness that one hears "At The Ballet" is equalled by laughs in
"Dance 10, Looks 3" better known as Tits & Ass! Diana singing "Nothing" or
she and the rest of the cast singing "What I Did For Love" touches you while Al
& Kristine "Sing" and the whole cast  explores the teenage years and then
there is the 8 minute dance and song solo "The Music and the Mirror" by Cassie
that bowls you over. Whether it is Sheila being sarcastic or Paul unsure of what
is expected of him or Zach puzzled about his break up, the acting moves the
story along. "A Chorus Line" has all that but something more---the line!

Everyone watching A Chorus Line, and/or reading
this, can identify with being on the line whether it is applying for a job,
wanting to accomplish or get on with something. We have all had that moment of
rejection or acceptance and that is what this show is all about. Sixteen people
are vying for eight spots in a show that in all probability won't lead to
anything better but it will help them make a living and get on with their life
or keep them going until they are on the line again in a better situation.
In order to make it on this line they have to become like all the rest on the
line, no show boating, no standing out, sublimating themselves to be one of the
chosen. At one time or another in our life, whether we admit it or not, we have
to become one of the sheep even if, eventually, we want to be the wolf.

NEXT--CHAPTER 3--16 DANCERS--1 DANCE CAPTAIN--A
DIRECTOR--HOW MANY I IDENTIFY WITH AND WHY--MEET THE CAST OF "A CHORUS
LINE"