On the Line - The Creation of A Chorus Line [Paperback]

Robert Viagas (Author), Baayork Lee (Author), Thommie Walsh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

A Chorus Line, the biggest Broadway hit of its generation, is returning to Times Square in a major fall 2006 revival. The show is based on a remarkable series of taped discussions made in the mid 1970s with some of the top "gypsies" (veteran Broadway dancers), many of whom went on to play characters based on themselves in the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical. In many ways, On the Line: The Creation of "A Chorus Line" is a continuation of the show itself. In this collective oral history, the 19 original cast members tell how they got involved with the project, how they labored through the months of workshops that shaped it, and what its success has meant for their lives and careers. They paint intimate and frank portraits of co-creators Michael Bennett, Joseph Papp, Ed Kleban - and each other. Originally published in 1990, the book has been updated to continue telling their stories over the past 16 years. Wayne Cilento ("I Can Do That") has become a Tony-winning choreographer of shows like Wicked and Aida; Kelly Bishop ("Can the adults smoke?") has become a TV star; Trish Garland has become a California fitness guru, and so forth.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Based primarily on interviews with the original 19 dancers whose stories provided the plot of A Chorus Line, Viagas, with cast members Thommie Walsh and Baayork Lee, recounts the history of the show. The book's narrow focus works both for and against it; while the dancers were an integral part of the creative process and therefore reliable and inexhaustible sources, the minutiae of relationships and the somewhat similar background stories become monotonous. One also misses input from producers, writers, and other creative members of the team. This is the fourth book in recent months to deal with the show; for the complete story, read it along with Denny Flinn's What They Did for Love and Ken Mandelbaum's A Chorus Line and the Musicals of Michael Bennett (both LJ 6/15/89). For exhaustive theater collections and diehard Chorus Line fans.
- Eric W. Johnson, Univ. of Bridgeport Lib., Ct.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Limelight Editions; 2nd edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879103361
• ISBN-13: 978-0879103361
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #873,411 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #72 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Dance > Reference

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a MUST for any "A Chorus Line" enthusiast., July 12, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: On the Line: The Creation of a Chorus Line (Hardcover)

Viagas, Lee and Walsh, together with the rest of the original cast have made an insightful book which documents the life of this great musical. Filled with remembrances by the cast and with a good collection of photographs by several photographers their book is a treasure chest of facts and memories of Broadway's "Singular Sensation". It is nice to know that author Baayork Lee continues her association with the show after twenty five years, still directing companies of the show and now opening up a website dedicated to the show... I only hope that some day they will provide an updated version concluding with the gala final performance.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for any fan of the show (or Broadway in general), February 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: On the Line: The Creation of a Chorus Line (Hardcover)

This book captures the show perfectly from people who were there: The Original Cast. This book never ceases to amaze, and move.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Back for a revival, August 25, 2006

By 

Peef (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Line - The Creation of A Chorus Line (Paperback)

The biggest Broadway hit is coming back this Fall, and the book that tells the story of how it was created back in the mid 70s has come back for a revival as well.

The bulk of the book has stayed the same including the black and white photos. It is a collective oral history of the nineteen original cast members of how they got involved with the project, how they labored through the months of workshops that shaped it, and what its success has meant for their lives and careers. The new edition includes an update on the cast and what they have been doing for the past 16 years.

This is a must have for any fan of A Chorus Line.