Show Synopsis:
Seventeen dancers share their hopes, dreams, and memories of stage business, love, and family as they audition for eight spots in the chorus of a new show directed by Zach. He tries to come to terms with his former love Cassie, whose career went downhill out in Hollywood, and who he does not want to cast because she is more talented than the other auditionees. When one dancer gets injured, the rest of them realize how lucky they are that they can keep doing what they love. At the end, only eight of them can be chosen for Zach's new Broadway show, but they all get to dance a Broadway finale.
Character:
Val, a talented dancer in her 20s who dreamed of being a Rockette when she was a child but had to get plastic surgery for directors and choreographer to pay attention to her in New York.
Song Context:
The topic of conversation in the audition has turned to physical differences that can affect casting, and while Connie has always been able to work with her short stature, Val laments how talent cannot always get you the work you deserve. She has no qualms about being honest in this audition, since that is what Zach is looking for.
Fun Facts:
1. The stories and songs of A Chorus Line were based on the actors' actual memories and stories, and the book and lyrics were developed after conversations between them and the creative team.
2. Pamela Blair originated the role on Broadway, and although the story of surgical enhancements came from another dancer, the rest of Val's character was based very much on her.
3. The entire cast won a Theatre World Award for Best Ensemble for their performances in this ensemble piece of musical theatre.
"Dance: ten, looks: three
And I'm still on unemployment.
Dancing for my own enjoyment?
That ain't it, kid. That ain't it, kid.
Dance: ten, look: three
Is like to die.
Left the theater
And called the doctor
For my appointment to buy
Tits and ass.
Bought myself a fancy pair.
Tightened up the derriere.
Did the nose with it,
All that goes with it.
Tits and ass.
Had the bingo-bongos done -
Suddenly I'm getting national tours.
Tits and ass won't get you jobs
Unless they're yours.
Didn't cost a fortune neither.
Didn't hurt my sex life either.
Flat and sassy,
I would get the strays and losers.
Beggars really can't be choosers.
That ain't it, kid. That ain't it, kid.
Fix the chassis - ""How do you do.""
Life turned into an endless medley
Of ""Gee, it had to be you.""
Why?
Tits and ass.
Where the cupboard once was bare,
Now you knock and someone's there.
You have got 'em, hey, top to bottom, hey.
It's a gas.
Just a dash of silicone.
Shake your new maracas and your fine.
Tits and ass can change your life -
They sure changed mine.
Have it all done.
Honey, take my word.
Grab a cab, c'mon
See the wizard on
Park and 73rd for
Tits and ass,
Orchestra and balcony.
What they want is what cha see.
Keep the best of you,
Do all the rest of you.
Pits or class,
I have never seen it fail.
Debutante or chorus girl or wife -
Tits and ass,
Yes, tits and ass
Have changed my life."