Baayork Lee, who originated the role of Connie Wong in A Chorus Line, shares her journey from dancer to Broadway star. She reveals how her real-life experiences contributed to the musical's groundbreaking narrative. The buzz surrounding its opening night attracted legends like Diana Ross and Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Lee discusses the unique audition process and how the show overcame initial doubts to win nine Tony Awards. Her insights illuminate the lasting legacy of A Chorus Line, showcasing its profound impact on the theater world.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Real Stories Shaped The Show
Dancers shared personal stories in workshops to create A Chorus Line's narrative.
Michael Bennett captured real experiences to build the show's emotional core.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Unique Choreography Development
Choreography was taught through repetitive steps and counts with live drumming.
Michael Bennett improvised dance moves to drums, teaching via rotation.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Character Inspired By Actress Life
Baayork Lee's character Connie Wong was inspired by her own childhood experiences.
She started performing at five after being cast in a Chinatown audition.
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It's 50 years since theatre history was made - the premiere of A Chorus Line. It was seen as a seminal moment, turning the spotlight on the people who make the show for the first time.
Baayork Lee tells Josephine McDermott how she played Connie Wong in the original production. Like many of the first cast, her true life experiences made it into the show which was developed in workshops by director and choreographer Michael Bennett.
Baayork Lee describes “the buzz” the musical generated soon after opening in a small venue off Broadway on 21 May, 1975, with everyone from singer Diana Ross and former first lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis to comedian Groucho Marx vying for seats. Two months later on 27 July the show transferred to Broadway. It won nine Tony Awards and became one of the longest-running shows on Broadway.
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(Photo: A Chorus Line at the Shubert Theatre. Credit: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)
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