A star-studded, emotionally charged one-night-only concert held on July 27, 2025, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. Now, here’s what critics and attendees had to say:
Review Highlights
Emotion, Legacy & Impact
- Playbill described the evening as “starry, emotional,” held in the very venue that originally launched the show nearly 50 years ago BroadwayWorld.
- The event was a triumphant benefit for the Entertainment Community Fund, raising over $1 million in support of dancer-focused programs .
Performances & Direction
- Donna McKechnie delivered a heart-stopping rendition of “The Music and the Mirror,” performing in the original key even 50 years later. Her portrayal was described as heartbreaking, inspiring, sexy, confident—and somehow all at once .
- Jennifer Simard brought sharp comic timing to “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three,” filling the gap left by the late Pamela Blair with memorable flair .
- Kelly Bishop, reprising her original 1975 role in a spoken-word monologue preceding “At the Ballet,” elicited “full-body chills” from the audience .
- Wayne Cilento narrated and introduced “I Can Do That,” sharing its creative origins before a younger trio executed the choreography with dazzling panache .
- Baayork Lee, the original cast member whose stewardship spans decades, deftly directed and remounted Michael Bennett and Bob Avian’s iconic choreography, infusing the evening with authenticity and reverence People.com.
Guest Stars & Ensemble
- A luminous roster of special guests—from Annette Bening to Ariana DeBose, Bebe Neuwirth, Lauren Graham, Mandy Gonzalez, Tony Yazbeck, and more—graced the stage, adding star power and heartfelt tribute to the production’s legacy People.comBroadwayWorldDKC/O&M.
Overall Vibe
- Playbill captured the electric spirit: the sold‑out crowd, the line stretching around the block, the collective joy and nostalgia of fans and performers alike .
- People echoed that sentiment, calling it a singular sensational evening and noting the stellar performances, classic numbers, and the profound sense of honoring a musical-theater milestone People.com+1.
Verdict
A Chorus Line: Official 50th Anniversary Celebration was an unforgettable homage to one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals. It struck a refined balance between nostalgia and vitality, blending original cast powerhouses with today’s Broadway stars. With pristine choreography, stirring vocals, and palpable emotion under Baayork Lee’s thoughtful direction, the concert stood as both a tribute and a lively reawakening of the show’s enduring legacy.