In this episode, Lisa Mordente talks about meeting Bob Fosse as a teenager, and watching her mother, Chita Rivera, rehearse and perform in Chicago (1975). Lisa was the first baby born of a "Shark" and a "Jet"—her father, Tony Mordente played "A-Rab" in the original Broadway production of West Side Story, where he met Chita who was playing "Anita." Lisa recalls the backstage antics of the cast, and the inspiration she found in watching Gwen Verdon and her mother perform together.

Additional Resources:

The Vault

Additional Chicago Footage

Chita: A Memoir by Chita Rivera

In this episode, Marsha Bagwell tells us about her time in the original cast of Chicago (1975) as the standby for Matron Mama Morton and Mary Sunshine. Marsha became Gwen Verdon's personal assistant during the production and was privy to many private conversations regarding the show. She shares unparalleled insight on Bob Fosse's process, Gwen Verdon's generosity, and the quirks and personalities of the entire cast.

The Vault

Additional Chicago Footage

In this episode, Lenora Nemetz discusses working with Bob Fosse as the standby for both Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera in Chicago (1975). She recalls going on for Gwen as "Roxie" during the out-of-town try-out without any rehearsals. Lenora also took over the role "Velma" full time after Chita left the show and Ann Reinking joined as Roxie.

Additional Resources:

The Vault Blog Posts

⁠Chicago History YouTube Playlist⁠

In this episode, we hear from Pamela Sousa who was an ensemble member in the original cast of Bob Fosse's 1975 musical Chicago, starring Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera. Later, she performed in Michael Bennet's A Chorus Line as a Cassie replacement. Pamela shares her experiences working with both of these legendary choreographers.

Additional Resources:

Visit the Vault - Chicago 50th Anniversary

Chicago 50th YouTube Playlist

Chita: A Memoir by Chita Rivera

Kander & Ebb Memoir

FOSSE by Sam Wasson

In the episode, Jessica Lee Goldyn discusses her early experiences learning A Chorus Line as a child, training with Baayork Lee and Donna McKechnie, and performing Cassie in the closing week of the 2006 Broadway Revival of a A Chorus Line.

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In this episode Charlotte d'Amboise reminisces about her year as Cassie in the 2006 Broadway revival of a Chorus Line. She talks about being inspired by Donna McKechnie, as the struggles and joys of this difficult role.

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In this episode, Robyn Hurder discusses how A Chorus Line has affected the trajectory of her career--from seeing the show as a nine-year-old, to performing in the 2006 revival tour, to ultimately portraying Cassie at New York City Center in 2018. Robyn will honor the legacy of Michael Bennett and A Chorus Line at the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Shubert Theater this month.

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In this episode Donna McKechnie speaks about her early inspirations, her personal and professional relationship with Michael Bennett, and her reflections of 50 years of A Chorus Line. She also speaks at length about the character she originated, Cassie, and what it means to her to be able to mentor other performers in that role.

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Donna's Autobiography: Time Steps: My Musical Comedy Life

In this episode Mitzi Hamilton discusses her long association with Michael Bennett's A Chorus Line which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. Mitzi was one of the two women whose stories provided the inspiration for the character of "Val" in the show. Mitzi shares wonderful memories of her Broadway debut, working with Michael Bennett, and how much A Chorus Line means to her.

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A Chorus Line History

In this episode Baayork Lee discusses her early career on Broadway (starting at age 5!), her working relationship with Michael Bennett, and how she has worked to preserve his legacy as A Chorus Line celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

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Read Baayork's Book