One Singular Sensation

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of a musical theatre classic ... huge fan, aspiring dancer, and stage mom Katie Derham tells the extraordinary tale of “Broadway’s saviour”, ‘A Chorus Line’. Derham discovers an amazing creation story, bitter post-show recriminations, and real-life examples of the power of musical theatre to change society and art.

On this journey, Derham tracks down original dance troupe members and recovers the legendary cassette tapes - kept under lock and key - that were recorded by legendary director-choreographer Michael Bennett, and which ignited the entire production process. Listeners will hear - probably for the very first time - the raw, funny and vulnerable voices of the real dancers whose lives inspired the show.

Set against the backdrop of 1970s New York, when Broadway was in decline and Times Square was in disrepair, this documentary traces how a midnight meeting in a draughty rehearsal room became a global theatrical revolution. From rejection and sacrifice to glittering triumph, 'A Chorus Line' revealed the beating heart of the performers who live for the stage, and in doing so, helped save Broadway. Half a century on, its legacy endures: a testament to the power of honesty, artistry and the unbreakable joy of dance.

This programme features contributions from Baayork Lee, Priscilla Lopez, and Donna McKechnie (all original cast members), and Broadway journalist Robert Viagas. From audio archive, it also includes the voice of 'A Chorus Line' creator Michael Bennett, among others.

Presenter: Katie Derham
Producer: Nadia Mehdi
Exec Producer: Jack Howson
Mix Engineer & Sound Design: Will Fitzpatrick

A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3
With thanks to John Breglio, Fresh Air and the New York Public Library.