PITTSFIELD, Mass. — There are a plethora of adjectives that describe the original production of "A Chorus Line" when it opened off-Broadway in April 1975: "groundbreaking," "original," "powerful," "outstanding" and "brilliant."

 

These words also describe the 50th anniversary celebration that opened Saturday at the Barrington Stage Company's Boyd-Quinson Theater. But we need to add a few more words: "magnificent," "dazzling," "breathtaking," "spectacular" and "incredible" will do. Oh, let's add one more: "great." Make that "Great."

 

In 1976, this quintessential backstage musical won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama (one of the few musicals to ever win such an award), nine Tonys (including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book) and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best Play. Did we say great?

 

The story is simple: It takes place in an (unnamed) Broadway theater, where director/choreographer Zach is auditioning 17 gypsies for the coveted eight dancer spots (four men, four women) in his show's chorus line. They will back the show's star with, as Zach tells them, "perfectly unison dancing."

 

We eavesdrop on the dancers' dreams, hopes, secrets and ambitions, as they spill truths and fears through the questioning and probing by Zach. The stories are raw and emotional, based on actual tape recordings made in Manhattan workshop classes between 24 dancers and Michael Bennett, who conceived, directed and choreographed the original production. (A side note: Throughout the years, just how much Bennett "conceived" the idea is questionable.)

 

Bennett handed the tapes over to James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, both of whom wrote the book; Marvin Hamlisch wrote the music and Edward Kleban wrote the lyrics ("Everybody now ... One singular sensation/Ev'ry little step she takes/One thrilling combination/ Ev'ry move that she makes … ").

 

The stories will fascinate you. Some are hilarious. Many will make you cry. To pinpoint one as the best is akin to choosing one performer as the "best" cast member. But we must: Dancer Paul offers a heartbreaking story — being caught by his parents while in drag at a gay male burlesque house. As actor Rafa Pepén tells his tale, the only sound heard in the theater is sobbing (as well as bravos and whistles). A note to Pepén: I was the one who began the bawling. "Chorus Line" trivia: The character of Paul was primarily based on the book's co-author Nicholas Dante, who later played the role on Broadway.

 

Parker Esse's choreography is impeccable, perhaps most riveting when Deanna Cudjoe, as Cassie, Zach's ex-lover, takes center stage for her tour de force dance number "The Music and the Mirror." Cudjoe's masterly movements and Esse's masterful moves comes under the "F" word — flawless.

 

BSC Artistic Director Alan Paul has directed "A Chorus Line" with a 24-karat touch. The show's energy never falters, not only because of the cast and its tight direction, but because of musical director Helen Gregory's superlative sound.

 

This cast, the best of the best of the best (story has it that Alan Paul auditioned hundreds of performers for the show), is as great (there we are again!) as the cast I saw in New York back in 1976. "A Chorus Line" demands to be seen. At least twice. Tickets are flying out the door as fast as the company performs the "Tap Combination."  

 

Miss it in Pittsfield, and you can catch it at the Geva Theatre in Rochester, N.Y., where is runs from Sept. 9 through Oct. 11.

 

"A Chorus Line" runs through Aug. 8 at the Boyd-Quinson Theater in Pittsfield. For tickets and more information, call 413-242-6411 or visit barringtonstageco.org.

 

SPOTLIGHT ON: Alan Paul

 

Alan Paul, Barrington Stage Company's Artistic Director, knows what he did for love. But he doesn't know why. Paul has directed BSC's "A Chorus Line," even though he admits he doesn't remember why he loves the musical as much as he does. (Read on!) 

 

Paul, who before joining BSC was associate artistic director of the Tony Award-winning Shakespeare Theatre Company, is enthusiastic that "A Chorus Line" has received rave reviews and is selling out. You could say the work is a singular sensation. Here, the Lenox resident talks about Berkshire theaters, the area's audiences and why Nov. 1 will be a special day.

 

The theater keeps you awfully busy. When you have free time, what do you like doing?

 

I like going to Guido's Fresh Marketplace in Pittsfield. My favorite restaurant is Jae's at the Hilton Garden Inn — I bring everyone there, but I haven't brought the cast yet. I don't do a lot of things outdoors but right now I am training for the New York City Marathon that's on Nov. 1 by jogging on the Rail Trail. I also like to hop in the car and head to The Clark.

 

What was your first encounter with 'A Chorus Line?'

 

This is so funny because I have been trying to figure that out. And I can't. I told the cast this during rehearsals. I remember playing "What I Did for Love" on the piano when I was very young. And I had the original Broadway cast cassette and I saw the movie. The show has always been in my mind, and it must be because it is so special.

 

What makes the show so special?

 

It's an amazing musical that changed theater. Very few musicals are so special. Luckily, no one has tried to radically recreate "A Chorus Line" because it stands alone. The lyrics tell you how the dance steps are defined. It's not like "South Pacific" or "Oklahoma!" — its format is like nothing else.

 

Audiences are flocking to see the show. Are they different from people in other areas?

Yes. Most of our audiences have second homes here, and unlike those on Long Island or Sun Valley, they like being challenged and stimulated. Our audiences are very smart. They know about Tanglewood and the quality entertainment that has been historically here.

 

Were you nervous on opening night?

 

I left the theater for long stretches of time and stood in the lobby. When the character Paul gave his speech [about his parents catching him in drag], I knew the show was working from the applause I heard. If you're able to pull the show off, it's a cause for celebration.