Immortal Icons of Dance

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

In this episode we hear from Debbie Allen on her relationship with Chita Rivera. Chita originated the role of 'Anita' in West Side Story on Broadway in 1957. In 1980, when West Side Story was revived, Debbie Allen was cast as 'Anita' and she was coached by Chita in the role. The two maintained a close relationship over the ensuing decades as their careers continued to evolve on Broadway, in film, and television. One thing they have in common: blazing a trail for those who come after them!

Additional Resources:

Footage

Chita: A Memoir

In this bonus episode we will hear a previously unreleased 1982 interview between Alexandra Danilova, and 13-year-old School of American Ballet student, Jennifer Fuchs. Jennifer conducted this interview for a school project and has given Immortal Icons of Dance permission to publish it so that everyone can hear this rare audio of Danilova talking about her own life!

Listen to this episode on YouTube for closed captioning

In this episode, former New York City Ballet dancer, John Clifford, tells us about his friendship with the great Russian ballerina, Alexandra Danilova. Madame Danilova (known to friends as "Choura") grew up at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg Russia, became a soloist Mariinsky ballet, and toured the world as an acclaimed ballerina in many ballet companies including the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. After retiring from the stage, she settled in New York City and became a beloved teacher at the School of American Ballet for 25 years where she taught new generations of dancers how to become a ballerina in the grand sense of the word.

Additional Resources

Footage

Choura: The Memoirs of Alexandra Danilova