Michael Bennett's legacy as a choreographer:

A Chorus Line and Dreamgirls

Michael Bennett's choreography in productions such as Dreamgirls and A Chorus Line dominated the Broadway stage of the 1970s and 1980s. Along with the work of other great choreographers of the era like Bob Fosse, Bennett is credited for revolutionizing Broadway theater and the role of dance in the Broadway tradition. In A Chorus Line in particular, the dance tells the story, not plot or even song. However, unlike Fosse, Bennett did not have a style that was so distinct that it overwhelmed every production in which he was involved. Bennett tailored his choreography to the needs of the show and allowed it to reveal the themes of the production unlike Fosse's very distinctive style. Bennett's mark upon his stage shows is more subtle, but still evident.

The premise of A Chorus Line is simple: the tale unfolds the...
[ View Full Essay]