One of the greatest musicals of all times returns to Broadway in previews on September 12th. This grand and glorious show that was created by the late great Michael Bennett ran originally for fifteen years on "The Great White Way". I was reminded the other day by a friend that even though "Phantom Of The Opera" is the longest running Broadway show in history, "A Chorus Line" is the longest running American musical written by American authors. Those authors are of course James Kirkwood who wrote the book (he's the author of the hillarious "P.S. Your Cat is Dead") Edward Kleban (lyrics) and Marvin Hamilish (composer). Michael Bennett (see yesterday's blog entry) conceived the show by auditioning and interviewing hundreds of Broadway gypsies, performers, dancers and singers. It was literally developed on the road. Nothing since has worked for Hamlish and Edward Kleban and James Kirkwood have passed away. Kirkwood wrote the play "Legends" starring the incredible Mary Martin and Carol Channing. The stories he tells about these two divas in his autobiography are incredible but true. Mary Martin of course bowed out of the show after her first contract expired because it was decided to cut a big scene revealing that her character had cancer. Carol Channing had a fit on opening night when she discovered that the slip cover that had been on the set's sofa all during the rehearsals had been discarded in favor of a new one. Miss Channing had an absolute fit and refused to go that night claiming that her "karma" was in that slipcover. It took the crew the better of five hours to track the damn thing down in a city dumpster. Karma in a slipcover? Now only a diva would claim that one! Stars can be so hysterically odd and funny souls. But God Bless them! As far as "Chorus Line" goes, I applaud the efforts of the current producers to bring back this landmark show. A new audience needs to see it and a new generation needs to hear its incredible life lessons about communication and tolerance! The score is amazing. Every song comes deep from the heart of each and every character on that stage! The count down for September begins. Another day of retail is all that awaits me today, and hopefully it will be a litle cooler today than yesterday! Well, until tomorrow.....