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.]

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• Chorus Line
• 3389th
• Broadway
• One
• Finale
• Michael Bennett
• finale

[pams29]

That is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life! :O (Why wasn't Pam Blair in this performance?)

[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.

[caravaggio31]

Where can we see the rest of the sohw?

[SHack7498]

I've seen two other Youtube 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.

[nornsnornsnorns]

Words fial me - it is SO thrilling. Greatest performance of thr greatest of finales

[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!

[brandt322]

@SHack7498

Thanks for sharing this. I have wanted to see it (and the performance) for years. I heard in 83 it would become a PBS Special but guess those plans were detoured after Michael's death. The full performance can be viewed at Lincoln Center but only with Michael's lawyer's written permission. For some reason, only OBC members can see it without permission. I was in the 12th row, and along with the opening on the Tonys in 76, were the highest "theatre" rushes of my life! Thanks.

[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!

[peterstock08]

Gulp!!

[jferrante42]

This was, without a doubt, my favorite youtube video.  Forget reality tv. This is what life is all about. Thank you for posting it.

[mysweetsmile23]

ASTOUNDING! Bravo!!

[grdoxsme]

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

[Ninevah77]

@alexanuchid Oh, wow I just wept when they bowed - a little more than when they all started running onstage. If time-travel ever becomes possible, I'm going to be at this moment.

[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.