A Chorus Line - Broadway 3,389th performance finale

On Sept. 29, 1983, A Chorus Line became the longest running show in Broadway history. (It has since been surpassed by Les Misèrables, Cats, and Phantom of the Opera). For the record-breaking performance, director Michael Bennett assembled over 300 current and former cast members and created an unforgettable evening of theatre, where the actors from various companies of the show tag-teamed the entire performance, starting with the then-current cast in the opening number. The original cast (minus Pam Blair) stepped in for the "names" section, several Cassies joined Donna McKecknie for the Cassie dance, there were numerous Pauls for the Paul monologue, the "alternative scene" ("What would you do if you couldn't dance any more?") was performed in multiple languages representing the many international companies of the show, and the evening concluded in this incredible finale, with hundreds of Chorus Line alums filling the Shubert Theatre with "One" amazing singular sensation. (The stage had to be reinforced to support them all.)
[This portion was televised as part of a program called "Live and In Person". Though I was one of the ACL cast members that appear here, I do not claim rights or ownership. It is presented here for your enjoyment as part of history.]

[@Halo101st]

My wife was a member of the troupe from 1980 to1982 and she loved the entire experience. It was the high point of her professional career. She died in 2009, but I know she would have loved to have been a part of this production. This was hard to watch.

[@MrNeiljoecos]

How wonderful that she had that experience...what a talented woman she surely was. Sorry for you loss.

[@rangerdave1973]

Halo101st my condolences on her passing

[@gigmeister53]

If there's a corner of heaven reserved for show people, it must look something like this.

[@SHack7498]

An amazing task made possible by the show's long-time costume supervisor, Alyce Gilbert. Over 300 costumes were pulled from the huge saved collection, some no longer really stage-worthy. I'd been out of the show for 3 years, but got to wear my original custom-made costume - my nametag still sewed into it. It seemed no one had worn it since. Now I still get emails from friends who've rented the costumes for their ACL production and tell me one of their cast members is wearing my finale costume.

[@646guy]

I was there for this performance sheerly by luck. My grandmother had mailed away for tickets for this date and months later got a call asking if we would reconsider another night due to this performance. My grandmother, being the strong Southern woman that she was, refused because we already had tickets scheduled for other nights. From the way she told it, they tried several times to get her to move. FInally they just had to let us have the seats. I remember standing on my seat thinking that they did that EVERY night... then you did the finale the SECOND time for the TV news cameras... I was a whopping 9 years old and I remember it so well....

[@myfavs5393]

awesome

[@michalkovac8382]

wow amazing,...you was lucky man :)

[@calebmatthews2026]

Really? That's incredible... performance of a lifetime!

[@NinaPDX1]

This makes me smile and cry at the same time. Such an iconic kick line, Marvin Hamlisch's fantastic composition, the tremendous effort that went into this performance, and the 3388 that went before it. Wonderful. I think, too, the audience's immediate response is so appreciated by the performers. Look at their faces! Last, but not least, the final synchronized bow--WOW!

[@trumpet71]

I don't know why, but I'm TEARS right now!

[@dmoore4873]

Tearing up too!!!

[@michalkovac8382]

here too,..is emotional thing this music,..and movie for me :)

[@JeffFreemanPresents]

To me, the most beautiful moment is at 3:28. The guy on the left is truly moved. Greatest night of his life. That's what it's all about.

[@nicolerohde9113]

No matter how many revivals come along nothing will ever compare to the original Broadway cast. Absolutely astounding. To this day listening to the original soundtrack gives me chills, makes me laugh, smile and cry.

[@timothyjohnson7337]

Thank you, so very much, for posting this...getting to be a part of it...the rehearsals in the Shubert Theatre...hanging out in The Booth Theatre next door-which served as our dressing room...connecting with the ACL family of folks on such a historic night...they ran our name in lights over the Shubert Theatre marquee for the entire week leading up to the record breaking performance-wow...all of it was SUCH a blessing...thanks again SO much...

[@sarmadasco]

I was so happy to see this, and watched as row after row of young dancers came up on stage, but then, I wondered, how many of those bright, talented performers and dancers, are still with us. Remembering that this was almost 30 years ago, and the AIDS epidemic ravaged to Broadway community to terribly...I began to think that if there were a reunion, today, of those people, that the stage would be 40% less than. Including Michael Bennett. Still glorious, but with an edge, a razor's edge.

[@ciaransammon]

This is possibly the greatest thing I've seen in the entirety of my time on earth. Just floods of tears.

[@44paperdoll]

I watched ACL at the Schubert Theater in 1981, and I was 15 years old. This was way before the age of KZbin and video cams, but the finale is seared into my memory. It was a life-changing moment. Soon after that, I took formal dance lessons and choreographed. It may have felt late to start at 15,y/o, but you can't turn away from passion.

[@michaelmishaw]

This is the one Broadway show I've ever seen. I saw the original cast when I was in high school--all the originals. I had a great high school choir teacher, who organized a trip to NYC for us. The finale just took my breath away---I'd never seen anything like it before and I wasn't the same after. Twenty-five years later, I saw Donna McKechnie perform at a benefit show, and she was still high kicking and high stepping just like always. A few later, I was invited to see the touring show by the then-current "Richie", who told me that the original "Richie" had been to see his performance and had given his approval.

[@erickvazquez8680]

when Windows glitches and opens a thousand windows.

[@PaulFroncinds]

There is NOTHING better than this ! Tears flow, heart swells, quivering smiles escape, .....thank you, VERY much for ALL the memories of so many ACL tours and folks and friends who bring so much joy to the world of theatre and beyond!

[@gerolamoalchieri]

I translated ACL in italian and i played ZACH some twenty years ago in Itlay... This show has always haunted me since I heard the record back in 1975, and when I saw it in NYC in 1985 I came out of the theatre crying, I have never cryed that much...until now after seeing this beautiful moving video! Thank you for posting it. I'm happy for you that you were in it, must have been wonderful! Whoever met ACL in his artistic life will never forget that singular sensation... A hug from Italy.

[@JoelandtheBots]

I don't even go here and I'm crying my eyes off.

[@SHack7498]

I auditioned on Broadway many times before I got the job. The only advice I have is to be prepared! Ideally, the people who are the best dancers, who can sing and act... and who fit the roles... should get cast. Nervous isn't a bad thing. "Scared to bits and pieces" is a little extreme. Good luck!

[@patfosse2148]

Michael Bennet, gone too soon.An absolute American Genious and artist made millions of people Happy through his art .Thank You Michael, you must be busy coreographing and dancing in Heaven,love you, Teacher !!!!!!

[@miata06gal]

I've seen the play 5 times, but always here in Atlanta at the Fox Theater. I've never seen this clip before and did not know there was this special evening. Fabulous video. It moves me to tears. Always has, but I don't know why. I guess it because I would have given anything to be in this show---anywhere, anyplace, even a small local community theater production. Just to learn the choreography would be thrilling. Truly, it is the best finale of a Broadway musical.

[@snowleaves]

+miata06gal I always get shivers right before the last "she's the one." Have them right now. :)

[@klg1956]

Saw this show in 1975 or '76 in Los Angeles, it was the first show I'd ever been to, we had 14th row seats, center, it was the most exciting night, a fantastic display of talent and wonderful music.....I was 18 years old, with my best friend...it was amazing.

[@ricardomedina-sanchez7367]

I am pretty sure that both the audience and the performers must have felt wonderful with that load of claps and emotional reaction to thekind of craft taking place. Only I wish I had been among the audience that night!

[@mzmiller52]

I wish I had been there to see this night. A real goose bump experience if ever there was one.

[@christinec.2372]

Historic..never to be repeated. 😳

[@ivymit1]

I almost lost it sitting here at my desk watching this... oh my goodness! amazing... We'll surely miss Marvin.

[@oscarschwartz1357]

I saw ACL in London and it never went out of my mind. It remained as a background music for the rest of my long life. I was lucky to be in NYC a few years ago and I took my wife for one more bath of emotions and talent. It is, for me, the essence of Broadway musical shows. God Bless Michael Bennett.

[@sportssciotaku7149]

Those who did plays/musicals from high school (like me) to amateur shows with small companies know it's a thrill to perform in front people. It live and that commitment to do it is so rewarding. I got chills seeing this. Amazing.

[@tracer740]

The design load for that stage must be enormously high!

[@SHack7498]

As I noted in the description, they had to reinforce the stage to support this many people.

[@myfavs5393]

Absolutely sensational. I saw this 8 times in Manhattan in the 70s and 80s. and this! One of a kind! Wonderful thanks so much for uploading this

[@scorpioninblue]

STUNNING! IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT!! WOW!!

[@juanmonge8]

They were Fierce!

[@lallypopgirl1]

This show, music, actors, musicians, dancers, and lets not forget the INCREDIBLE (late) Michael Bennet...changed show history forever. RIP to Michael, Marvin and many others who shaped this gift for generations to come and changed musical theatre forever. A Chorus Line taps into the heart of everyone at some level, but to those of us born into the stage somehow...IT IS OUR VOICE. LOVE BEYOND MEASURE TO EVERYONE ASSOCIATED IN ANY WAY WITH A CHORUS LINE. Forever in your debt and awe; Laura

[@larrydirtybird]

This was the first show that I ever saw on Broadway. I saw it in Feb. of 1990, just a couple of months before it closed. I'm so glad I did.

[@forestkaat]

Yes, amazing show - amazing cast & production. I just saw the tribute to Marvin Hamlisch on TV & they performed "One" - brought tears to my eyes. Sadly, we lost so many wonderful actors, dancers, singers & crews in the 80's, from TV, stage & movies. Please, all, if you ever get a chance, go see a Broadway style production, whether in New York, London or a touring company that comes to you - so worth it!

[@QueerlyBeloved386]

Thank you for posting this

[@broadwayFan28]

OMG, so many great dancers on one stage all working together. It is possible if we all work together, isn't it?

[@charlieedwards4331]

Amazing, beautiful, fantastic, iconic, jaw-dropping and awesome are just a few words to describe what I witnessed. The fact that it was possible to pull over 300 current and former cast members from all over the world and have them do this show is an extraordinary feat.

[@yankeeangel26]

Already the greatest finale in musical theater, and this only made it more so. Just fantastic.

[@Jerseysson27]

Good night Mr. Hamilsch, thank you for a life well lived, and thank you so much for the most awesome music that shaped our lives on Broadway and in the movies.

[@JerkyPuck]

What a spectacular evening that must have been. Wow...just wow.

[@roqo1824]

OMG!!! Thanks for this video!!! This is history!!! this is amazing!!! Love it!!!

[@alexanuchid]

this clip just killed me, I love when each line bowed their head...omg just grand!!!!

[@ronpoulin8708]

Bravo...Bravo....Bravo Wow, what an evening that was!

[@oscarphile]

For all those out there, like me, who felt certain that they couldn't make the Chorus Line Kickline any more impressive than it already was. THAT's amazing!

[@beeweejr]

tears and applause.

[@AngelaJeanBarr]

Thank you for sharing this video and your story.

[@MrsNightly]

I remember seeing this segment when it originally was shown. It still amazes me!

[@noirchild58]

The first time I saw the Original A Chorus Line, I got a standing room space in the back. It didn't matter though because the show was so intimate yet so BIG that I felt like I was on the front row. Nothing like it before ... or since. BRAVO!

[@RBH1945]

I hope this blog runs as long (and longer) than the show! For ever would be a good thing. If anybody ever needs to know what **Show Business** is all about - THIS is it!

[@Slightlybent]

Wow - that brought me to tears. Thank you so very much for posting this! A Chorus Line was the first Broadway show I ever saw, so it has a very special place in my heart.

[@MNBluestater]

This is the greatest you tube video I have watched. I have loved this show for over 30 years. This was such a tribute to the dancers who made up the "legacy" of A Chorus Line for so many years, off-Broadway tours, internationals, etc. The story is of the dancers--all about them--it is just a joy to see the look on the young man listening to the ovation at the end. Kudos !

[@robertchristopher443]

Absolutely Amazing!

[@snowleaves]

I remember seeing this on TV and it seems like they SAID (not positive) that everybody who had ever been in it was in this. Pretty amazing. Do you realize how carefully they had to be spaced for everybody to do those kick lines?

[@Kahlon03]

Thank you Marvin

[@Bakerlongisland87]

For some reason I couldn't find this clip earlier. But thanks for posting. I attended this performance. It was the afternoon "black-tie" rehearsal. Even though it was "Live and In Person". It's something I'll never forget.

[@pudgeuncle]

A "friend" screwed me out of being there. He took a woman he'd just met....because he thought people would think we were a gay couple. Like anyone would have thought he was straight?

[@JuansseAchach]

Thank you SO MUCH for posting this!! By that time I was only 3 years old and living in México. What I wouldn´t give to be there that night!!! What a beautiful experience!! Thank you so much!!!

[@grdoxsme]

Tears in my eyes.... can't stop watching... can't stop crying... this is the most exciting thing I've seen!!!

[@jodyhoevel6393]

wish I could have been there - thanks for posting

[@malconbauer]

I cried.

[@JOSEPHCOZZASALON]

I just read the book "A Chorus Line and the Musicals of Michael Bennett" and in the back glossary, it catalogued everything he did that was on audio or video. It mentioned this particular performance. It also said that there was in someone's private collection a 15 minute video of the final Broadway performance of Follies (1971) which I also didn't know existed. I am sure one of the authors or their heirs has possession of the original material.

[@emrot]

This is so marvellous to watch, it's indescribable. My God.

[@bethanmurray622]

This is absolutely amazing!!! I love this song and this musical ❤️ I bet the atmosphere in that theatre must've been incredibly breathtaking!

[@RogueElectro.]

That's insane. Really crazy man. Awesome video

[@jus0111]

WOW WOW WOW......it would have been so fantastic to be in the audience for that performance.......its exactly how i imagine the closing number to be (thanks to the movie)......what i mean is the stage full of dancers not just the final 12 or so.......for those who havent seen it.....see....Ev'ry Little Step....FANTASTIC!

[@RJMEZZ]

OUTSTANDING!!!

[@SHack7498]

I've seen two other KZbin videos, where someone in the audience filmed portions of the Cassie dance, and the Paul monologue. As far as I know, this video of the finale is the only one that was professionally recorded. There MAY be a video of the entire performance viewable at Lincoln Center library.

[@LAAR123]

That's so moving. I wonder how many of those artists are still alive. The 80s were a bitch.

[@xy47402]

What a wonderful night this must have been. I'm sorry that I was a bit young and half a continent away when it happened. Tickets for that performance must have been $1,000 a pop! A friend of mine from high school went to see in on Broadway in 1981. It was one of the handful of times in my life I felt real ENVY.

[@bellini7verdi]

esto es una locura de arte total...en grupo..............una pasada de hermoso...............

[@kerensabirch5214]

That would've been amazing to see!

[@SHack7498]

Oh, and I believe the entire performance was videotaped. It's MAYBE archived at Lincoln Center library.

[@skashent.2042]

if I was there I would've cried

[@lallypopgirl1]

In a word: BREATHTAKING

[@SHack7498]

I think the only person who was originally from a foreign-language production was Chikae Ishikawa, who'd played Connie in the American touring company, but had previously appeared in the Japanese cast. In this gala performance, Chikae appeared as Diana Morales singing "Nothing" ...entirely in Japanese. Even though most couldn't understand the language, we all were so familiar with the song that we knew every word. I know exactly where I was at the end. Front row, 2nd from stage right.

[@cak561]

Amazing!

[@qwerbear]

Those poor costume stitchers.

[@markmh835]

Everyone looks so very happy. What a wonderful moment.

[@sarmadasco]

Imagine how amazing this would have been had it been done, just for this night, at Radio City! Was already amazing when I saw it at the Shubert when I was 13......but imagine all those cast members at Radio City!

[@motorino1234]

con le lacrime agli occhi.stupendi

[@mikaelacash3791]

That was so beautiful!

[@kimposs1754]

WOW .....

[@bellini7verdi]

un orgasmo estético musicalllllllllllllllllll.............totalllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[@monitoresnumerico3442]

My God! I'm almost crying.

[@arellaflur5753]

wow... that was pretty incredible

[@NicoleTirona]

"Though I was one of the ACL cast members that appear here..." > Oh my gosh, you are SO blessed! Thank you for sharing this!

[@Chardonnay]

What a night to remember that was! Not the least of it being having to hire our very first babysitter...

[@SHack7498]

Originally scheduled to be in -- rumor is Pam didn't want to share "Dance 10; Looks 3", which Michael Bennett wanted her to do with Mitzi Hamilton (on whose story it's based) and DeLee Lively. (The night was comprised of Bennett faves doing the roles.) Karen Jablons, another Val, had come in to help reteach Pam Blair the number, and then by the performance, Pam was out and Karen was in. Original cast members Robert LuPone (Zach) and Nancy Lane (Bebe) also didn't participate. Don't know why.

[@miguelaguirremessina4042]

AMAIZING...!!!.

[@SHack7498]

There definitely was a big party afterwards outside the theatre in Shubert Alley, but my memory is that they had to set up tarps because it was raining.

[@HamSupZhai]

gettin shivers all over my body.

[@leighbesstoad]

But didn't anyone else notice that at the 1:10 mark in the audience is Arthur Ashe?

[@SHack7498]

I do not think that's who that is in the audience.

[@rellenoz]

Omg that shit was TIGHT!!! Off da CHAIN! I LOVE IT!!!

[@bcnmanhattan]

Thanks so much for this. It's a pity there's not a video of the original production on KZbin or anywhere. I saw it in the Summer of 1976 on my first visit to NY. I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. I was totally struck by this number. I was floating. I've seen over a hundred of shows on Broadway since then and I've never felt the same. I think it's the epitome of a Broadway number. Imagine a kid from Barcelona in 1976 watching this. Thanks again and it must have been fantastic being in it.

[@kenytco68]

Wow!

[@PSYLLA2020]

Standing ovation from me!!!

[@SHack7498]

Pretty sure there were 338. I have the Playbill in a box in the closet. As I remember, everyone's name and bio was listed in it. I'll dig it out and check when I have a chance.

[@kamwrites]

Okay.....I got chills. LOL! :)

[@JOSEPHCOZZASALON]

Do you or anyone out there have the video of the entire performance of the 3,389th performance. One was made and is available at the Performing Arts Library in New York. Not sure if it is publicly available but it would be great to view it.

[@SHack7498]

+JOSEPHCOZZASALON - Nope, sorry I don't know of any such video. I didn't realize there was one at the Lincoln Center Library, but that make sense.

[@beatrizfernandez1785]

EXCELENTE