The death of popular composer Marvin Hamlisch yesterday resonated with many fans.
Bradley Jones — a 1975 Staples graduate, who played Gregory Gardner in “A Chorus Line” from 1981-89 — recalls:
By the time I got into the Broadway company, we would only see Marvin Hamlisch for brush-up rehearsals when the show was hitting a milestone performance.
I remember him coming in when we became the longest running show (performance 3389), the 5000th performance, and when one of the original cast would come in for a limited run.
Marvin was a stickler for tight, crisp, and elegant articulation of the lyrics of “One,” and he wanted “What I Did For Love” deeply legato and full of our deepest longings. We would happily meet his demands, because we knew these songs were his signature. After having Marvin at a rehearsal, the tempos were also increased and we would dance the opening combinations fast.
It was thrilling to have time with him, and a real antidote to any “long run-itis” the company might have suffered.
Bradley Jones will keep “A Chorus Line” alive — in Westport. This spring, he returns to Staples Players (his former troupe) as choreographer for the beloved show.
Three years ago, Bradley Jones (center) reprised his “Chorus Line” role at Staples Players’ 50th anniversary celebration. This spring, they’ll stage the entire show. (Photo/Kerry Long)