Music and the Mirror- Cheryl Clark on Broadway!

[718700jcw]

hi cheryl...it's justine..you are fabulous...fabulous vocals....fabulous

dancing...amazing..i wish it was more of a close up.....how old were you in this......22?..love you....justine

[aoteyza]

Hi Cheryl, Alex here from the MGM days. Grandmosphere!!!! What are you up to? I would love to catch up and see how you are doing.

[goober1632]

Amazing. So glad we can see this years later. A very inspiring performance. Was the audience asleep, though? Did they see what I saw?

[silenthillmaster755]

the only thing that bothers me is that she says CHAUNNNNNCEE to DAUNCEEEE.

[CassieClark3]

@silenthillmaster755 Hi! Cheryl Clark here. You are so right, and having 1st been groomed in Sydney, Australia as Michael Bennett wanted, for I was a bit young for the role- when he brought me back to the Shubert on Broadway, Michael would say in rehearsal, (after I would say "Cawsee" in names and ages) near the top of the show, Michael would say, "Your back in America! It's "Cassie" (sounding out a "short a"! Thx for your comment! xo Cheryl

[CassieClark3]

@CassieClark3 Hi, this is Cheryl. I was truly responding to your post, and it is not spam.  I am Cheryl Clark- the dancer performing this number. Take care. Cheryl

[OzlemCraig]

She is smoother than Donna, but Donna has the better technique in my opinion

[Flippry]

I worked with cheryl in the show, for many years.. she rocked this number and was consistant every nite.. I will never forget the nite her heel fell off her shoe, girl got thru it and finnished the number.. amazing performer... Go Cheryl...

[CassieClark3]

@Flippry HI! I remember I was horrified the left Cassie shoe heel came off- (I tried to think fast, for it was the top of the number)- so I took the whole left shoe off during "the slow little mirror section as I bent down in plie, threw the shoe off (like it was a bowling ball, and I don't bowl!- The shoe made in safely in the wings, and I finished the whole dance, turns and all on the stocking foot- milked it for all I could during bow- the crowd in San Fran was like Shea Stadium! xo

[mrsfiske]

PART 1

I've had the pleasure of having worked on productions of ACL in a professional capacity with many of the original cast members. I was an ACL junkie in 1975 and '76 (I probably saw the original cast, at least, 12 times -- always standing room), and saw it as often as my wallet permitted until closing.* I never saw Cheryl Clark -- 'till now. KIDS -- I'm here to tell you -- this is, BY FAR, the best danced "M&TM" I have ever, ever, EVER seen. Bless you CassieClark3!

[mrsfiske]

PART 2

No offense to a lot of other gals (Sousa, Gamache, Taylor-Corbett, Richert et al -- they're all truly terrific), BUT . . . YOU, CassieClark3, are a goddess -- WE are pee-pee-kah-kah. As Diego said, "her extension is just insane!" Have truer words ever been said? I think not. Your legs are Cyd Charisse-lovely. I am so-totally a fan now. One word: breathtaking!

[mrsfiske]

PART 3

* I actually saw Vicki Frederick (SHEILA from the movie) go on for Ann Reinking as CASSIE in the Autumn of '75. She was playing LOIS at the time and must have been a 2nd cover because poor Vicki looked about 12. You just couldn't help but understand why CASSIE left that dirty old man.

[portaguillem]

Of all the youtube videos up, she is the only one who comes close to Donna all things concerned. One of the things I most appreciate about her interpretation is the fact that she refrains from overacting the role rather allows to sense those feelings of frustration, desperation and awkwardness underneath the surface. Most importantly, she dances the hell out of it.

[vballboy1420]

her legs are everywhere!

[eyelaash]

Best Cassie ever. Cheryl really brought the depth and desperation of the character to life along with her fantastic dancing technique.

[ghb61]

Thanks to YouTube, I've just seen this performance for the first time, and unfortunately had not been aware of Cheryl Clark until now. I saw several brilliant performers play Cassie throughout the original run, my all-time favorite being Pam Sousa, who was absolutely breathtaking (no offense to the others!). I just found the Charlotte D'Amboise clip here--too bad I missed her on Broadway. But this clip of Cheryl reminded me very much of Pam, so in my book I'd have to rate her as among the best!

[leko2453]

every time I see Cheryl in this video I remember just how great she is.

And how intricate Tharon Musser's lighting plot is.

thanks

[flrntino]

Wow! I saw this production in SF when I was 13 and it changed my life. I moved to NYC 5 years later and have lived here ever since. Thank you Cheryl Clark for your magnificent performance! Bravo!

[JaninaFrei]

Dear Cheryl - you are fantasic , gratulation, greeting from Vienna, please Kontakt with me- Janina Osses-Frei

[diego9774]

Her extension is just insane!!!! Bravo!!!

[tlclowe]

breathtaking!!

[ramblerg]

Wow, what a treat to be able to see Ms. Clark! Thanks for posting! I always read and heard how beautiful her 'Cassie' was. Wondering what year/tour this was? Saw Souza on B'way in summer of '82, then McKechnie on tour in fall of '86 at the Golden Gate in San Fran. Then saw Gamache on B'way in spring '89. My parents may have seen Ms. Clark on this tour. I love how she modulates the note upward on the third "... play me the music...", very moving and vulnerable.

[CassieClark3]

Hi! ramblerg. This was Broadway number, performed Summer of '81 at the Curran Theatre with great Desert Inn Cast- David Thome as Zach- I left San Francisco after this, and went back to Shubert on Broadway to continue with Zach, Eivind Harum. xo Cheryl Clark

[ramblerg]

Oh, thanks so much for your reply! Wow! Yeah, I'm pretty sure my father and step-mother saw you, I remember they went to see ACL in San Fran around that time. I was still 'too young' to be taken to it... grr! Even though I had the cast album... hehe. They did take me to see Annie at the Golden Gate. Take care!!

[bobfelcher]

Cheryl we worked together in 3 companies and i always had a great time, you are awesome.The last company we did together was the "Broadway farewell tour to america". I'll never forget sitting with you on the stage at the Starlight before the matinee and u came running over to tell me u were having Deja Vu from your 1st show on that stage when u & Sandahl were eating pie and someone opened the curtain and u got in trouble.I still laugh alot at that memory. PS my name is not bob btw, its actuallyK

[psychwriter]

Gorgeous! Watching this absolutely reminds me I'm in the right profession... her passion is surely inspiring.

[Puppies140]

AMAZING!!!

[Chardonnay]

I was so, SO thrilled to find this! Such great memories! Cheryl, you were Cassie to my Judy way back in the day. And yes, for sure, one of the very, very best! Gotta go watch it again! Jannet *hugs*

[xGiveMeWingsx]

i wish i could do that! bravo.

[linningdown]

Cheryl, I saw you in "Chicago", ACL and "Big Deal" and felt as if I was seeing a new Verdon or Rivera. The Tony Award performance of "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" is a perfect example of your charisma and that evidence will exist for eternity.

If it's any consolation, when Sandahl doffs her bra in "Aiirotica", all I could think of was how bad her implants looked.

[BalletBabyBoy]

I wish i could get a copy of the whole show...this looks like a great performance...was Mitzi in the show still? Those were the days...

[CassieClark3]

Hi! Cheryl Clark here. Mitzi was still doing Val at Shubert at this time- she and I would take the RR to the Upper East side after shows sometimes! She is the best-great director of ACL to this day. When our dear Roy Smith passed on, who was scheduled to direct us in Germany, summer of 1990, Mitzi, playing Sheila next to my Cassie, took over as director- Roy passed as we were flying to Munich- Mitzi did a great job from the beginning. Jimmy Litten assisted her beautifully. xo

[GregMichaelPasqua]

Saw Cheryl perform Cassie three times on Broadway - She was the best Cassie ever - great dancer/singer/actress

[jakling]

While in college, I saw Cheryl Clark play Cassie in Philadelphia in - I'm guessing 1980 or 81. FABULOUS! Her performance and this number is what I remember from that theatre experience. Thank you for posting it. Is the rest of the show available???

[an7iguy]

This is absolutely amazing, I have the utmost respect for all of the Cassies of the world.

[CassieClark3]

Love and Happy New Year 2009! Cheryl Clark here, and yes, this was the Broadway number 1981- David and I were actually at the Curran Theatre in San Fran, right before I returned to NY Shubert Company to appear with Eivind Harum again! Exact same number by Michael... the greatest!

Dancingly yours..... xo Cheryl

[spklneelyspkl]

you inspire me.

[senorlobo1]

You were good honey. I'm so proud to know you. Miss you. I miss David too.

RJ

[CassieClark3]

RJ- love and miss you too! You look fabulous in that Laura Branigan video! Loved watching you, and that brought back memories of your FAB Larry in "A Chorus Line" with our Company!

xo Cheryl Clark

[senorlobo1]

ahh, now see ya made me blush!

smooches,

RJ

[homerbunny]

This isn't Broadway, this was Long Beach California in '86 (company also played Santa Barbara and La Mirada). I was a cover in this cast. Cheryl was superb in this part. She made a point of asking no one to stand the SL wing during her scene, but I just couldn't resist, and did almost every show. She came up to me after the show and I thought she was gonna scold me, but she sincerely thanked me for watching every night. A lovely lady.

[CassieClark3]

Hi.... Cheryl Clark here! Let me know your name homerbunny! This was not Long Beach- I had just come back from Burt Reynolds Jupiter Theater before we did this for Trish at Long Beach in 1985.... this performance posted with David was in 1981- way before I got married- I was married when I did the show with you in Long Beach- and yes, David and I did this on Broadway- this performance was actually at the Curan Theater in San Fran, right before I returned to Bway Co again. Write me! xo Cheryl

[brendabignose]

Nice :-)

Of all the videos I've watched on here of various ladies doing this number - this ranks right at the top with Donna Mckechnie! I saw the show on Broadway in May and this number was a bit of a let down especially at the end which is my favourite part - the bit where she's running backwards down the line and reaching then throwing her arms back. I love that part in this video!

[depeau44]

I love this song>> But the dialogue slows up the number.. The singing tells enough of the story. The dialogue should come before the song starts to tell her exposition. But she can dance!!!!!!!

[triplethreatx333]

very nice. my only objections are that she sometimes sounds like shes reciting lines as opposed to telling her life story, and the way she sometimes says "mirahhhh!". beuatiful dancing though.

[depeau44]

I agree 100%. Her acting is a bit fluffy but she does an excellent job performing it~!!!!

[lbjnnyc]

breathtaking. thank you cheryl for showing us the way it should be done!

[linningdown]

Cheryl Clark was the most underrated show dancer of her time. She was equal to the best: Mckechnie, Reinking, Frederick, Bergman, Sousa, Eilber, etc. Little known fact: She was originally going to dance the lead in "Airotica" from "All That Jazz" but didn't want to remove her top so the part went to Sandahl. What a pity that this brilliant dancer didn't get the big screen recognition she so richly deserved.

[BaggyJeansBoy]

WOW. Great tidbit to know. Cheryl is fabulous and it's great to finally see the performance and the extension that Bennett "loved".

[rumsonu]

Hi Cheryl! I wasn't in the cast but I was working up the road from you guys at the Nimrod Theatre. I'm good mates with Jack Webster, Karen Johnston, Mariette Rups, David Atkins, Angela Ayers, and I got to know Claude Tessier when he came to see my shows. I'm currently in the musical of PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT choreographed by Ross Coleman. We're about to take the show to the West End which is very exciting. I was watching you on a video only yesterday...FLORA, THE RED MENACE!!!!

xx

[CassieClark3]

Oh my goodness! Write me back- sorry for the delay, and my hugest love and hugs to Ross- I adore him......xo cheryl

[BalletBabyBoy]

My God Miss Cheryl..FABULOUS! I have often wondered where you disappeared to.I think I was at your old apt. on the upper west side years ago. We had a mutual friend, Louis Irizarri? Can't remember.Then we were in ACL in Chicago together briefly..the national. I rember often your wonderful performances...weren't you in the Harkness Ballet for a while? I have lots of copies of ACL including the new one...pretty gaggy compared to this. I would love to see this complete video. Chicago, FANTASTIC!

[1968rickey1968]

To BalletBabyBoy,do you have any copies of ACL with Karen Prunzik performing the cassie number. I'm willing to buy any copy of ACL that you are willing to sell.

Rickey

[BalletBabyBoy]

Sorry I am not sure who she is...I don't think I do..

[1968rickey1968]

Hi ballet baby boy,

Do u have any copies of ACL that I can buy from u. I only need one.

[rumsonu]

Cheryl played Cassie in the Australian company in 1977 and was just marvellous. Great to see her doing the number again!

[CassieClark3]

Who is this mystery email from in Australia?

We so loved performing at Her Magestys Theatre. Hope you were in the cast and we can reconnect! xo Cheryl

[1968rickey1968]

Hello Miss Clark,I'm a huge fan of ACL and just wanted to know if you have any copeis of the show that I can buy from you. I only need one good copy.

Rickey

[CassieClark3]

Hi! Just read your note, and I do not have any copies of "ACL".  Sorry, and so glad you enjoyed this one performance posted of my "Cassie"! Danceingly yours, xo Cheryl Clark

[1968rickey1968]

Hi Miss Clark,thank you for writing back to me. I'm just still in awe of your performance,one of the best. I first saw the show with Pam Sousa and damn was she good. I actually do have a copy of the whole show,one with Donna Mckechine when she came back in 1986 and one with Charlotte D'amboise. I'm telling you,You and Donna and Pam will always be the best. I do have a question for you. I'm an actor/singer and use to dance years ago. Now at 41 do u think I could get that limberness back.

[Hoofer26]

your extension is like no other... amazing work

[mikecoleman1]

What an honor that Ms. Clark has taken part in the dialogue here. Especially fitting since this is the day of the last performance of the ACL revival on Broadway. I can't wait to see the new touring cast in SC in October--the 7th production of the show I'll have seen. So Cheryl, you were the original, "You pop that gum one more time" in Chicago? Love it! My sister-in-law and I were talking about that song just the other day.

[CassieClark3]

Mike! good to know you- and love it that you and your sister-in-law like "Cell Block Tango"- I love our Original cast album with Chita...she was the best! And Fosse really liked my interpretation as "POP"- I thought I sounded a bit too Betty Davis at the end- and fell to the recording studio floor, but Bob loved it and it was for keeps! I did not realize the show was closing in NYC today, but I had the honor of seeing the Opening "new" touring ACL here in LA- and loved it! So will you. xo CC

[mikecoleman1]

Cheryl, My sister-in-law and I were running errands for a relative's funeral. I offered her some gum and we started the POP line--"You pop that gum ..." It brought a laugh on an otherwise grim day. I also wanted to say that I think the best Cassies are brunettes, like you. I've seen several blonde ones, including C. D'Amboise, but I like the notion that you don't really notice Cassie until she dances, and then ... wow. Thanks for your beautiful performance. N. Snelson has big shoes to fill. Mike

[Jarrod005]

That was amazing!

She makes it look so easy!

But what was with her flailing her arms around at the end?

[CassieClark3]

Jarrod- you are so right about the arms at the end- I cleaned it up after I saw this video- we can always learn and grow- what it taught me was, in dance- just because it feels right- feels passionate, does not mean that it looks clean! Love and all the best!

Cheryl Clark "Shubert Cassie over 3000 performances" xo

[Jarrod005]

You're Cheryl Clark???

[QF107]

between 5:13-5:20.. awesome footwork to the tophats.. Ive never noticed this before with the other Cassies.. would this be a Michael Bennett thing or Cheryl Clark's?

[marthaschlamme]

truly one of the best Cassies. I believe this is when she returned to the show in 1984 for a brief run. what a fantastic triple threat!

[mikecoleman1]

A thoroughly respectable Cassie. Her voice has grown on me, and her dancing is impeccable. Anyone know when this was recorded, and which Cassie she was? I'm thinking she came after McKechnie/Reinking/Sousa?

[foxysteve]

Hi Mike...I actually played Al to her Cassie the National Tour so she's a dear friend of mine even to this day.

This was probably circa '85.

[CassieClark3]

Aug. 17th, 2008 You got it Mike- I was the Original "Pop" in 1975 "Chicago" when Donna originated Cassie- then Michael Bennett wanted me to originate Cassie in Sydney, Australia, and when I returned to USA- I came in after Pam Sousa at the Shubert- it was a great cast...love xo Cheryl Clark

[dancersover40]

We LOVE Cheryl at Dancers over 40! Wish she was back in NYC!!! Cheryl, check out the dancersover40 youtube channel. You'll know everyone! xoxox Johnny S.

[CassieClark3]

Dear Johnny S. Love to you all at Dancers over 40. Faith, love and peace on this day of Remebrance for all our Angels on 9 11.

God Bless. Love, xo Cheryl Clark

[BrochtrupBean]

you're amazing! thanks.

[CassieClark3]

Hi! yes, I came to Broadway after I was replaced as lead dancer in "All That Jazz" for not doing topless at the end of Take off With Us (which I choreographed the end for Fosse)! Michael Bennett tracked me down after he heard about that BS, and wanted me to replace Pam Sousa on Broadway! Michael had originally sent me to open Cassie in Australia to groom me. Scott Pearson was my Zach and we were in the Bush for 10 months! xo Cheryl Clark

[BroadwayBret]

Fabulous! Such an excellent Cassie! Thank you so much

[QF107]

Love it! Thanks Dougsta for posting