In the current era of modern musicals with moving sets, elaborate costumes and over the top production, it is easy to forget that the history and heart of Broadway is in simple storytelling. A Chorus Line is a flashback to what Broadway once was, allowing the characters on stage to tell the story without relying on extra gimmicks.

A Chorus Line is about seventeen Broadway dancers auditioning for a spot on a chorus line. The staging is simple - a black room with a mirrored wall representing a Broadway theatre. Director Zach and assistant choreographer Larry are putting the dancers through their paces. They are all thinking about how much they want and need the job - the song I Hope I Get It kicks off the show. After the first cut Zach wants to learn more about each of the auditioners, and makes them all speak about themselves.

The audience develops a connection with the characters, Tone-deaf Kristine and her husband Al. Stylish Jewish homosexual Greg. Sheila the sexpot and Mark, who talks about his first wet dream, are just a few of the people that come to life as they open up to Zach. There are two that stand out: Cassie is a once-successful solo dancer who is trying to make a comeback on the chorus line; Paul is a former teen drag queen who opens up about discovering his homosexuality. While many of the stories told by the dancers are funny, these two characters have so much heartbreak in their past, and their stories of self discovery and chasing dreams resonate with the audience.

The shows tunes are classics and many instantly recognizable such as At The Ballet and Dance: Ten; Looks: Three (likely better known as its original name Tits and Ass). The finale One is one of the most famous songs in Broadway history - a flashy, fun finale.

Is A Chorus Line, as the marketing states, the best musical ever? No. At the time it opened, back in 1975, it likely could have laid stake to that claim. There can be no denying its success, being the fourth longest running Broadway show in history. It's a show that allows the performers to carry it with their movements, voices, and strongly written characters. For some, that will be more than enough. Others who prefer the flashiness of Phantom of the Opera and The Lion King may not connect with A Chorus Line. For the Broadway purist however, the show is a flashback to what Broadway was meant to be.

And the cast is hot. And bendy. That always helps.