This number was danced on an elevator that moved up and down in the original production, set design by Boris Aronson. At the beginning of the show, the curtain rose on Plexiglas, steel and mirrors. I was awestruck. Company was my first Broadway show and I had great seats - fourth row orchestra, at the Alvin Theater, now renamed. I have admired Donna McKechnie's dancing always. She is stupendous here, energetic and emotional. A woman rich with talent and expression in dance. She's the top! Shame there is not enough of her on film for us to enjoy.
@laurence Esposito - I can almost see the sets from your description. Company was the first show I listened to over and over again on LP - still have it. I saw this video for the first time today and although the songs and performances are heavenly listenable and biting, this TikTok dance put in by the creative team and executed by Donna sets the tone and creates enormous anticipation. Must be a very very special memory.
Like the previous poster, I never thought I'd see the original Tick Tock dance (the OBC album liner notes make it seem like it's forever lost to history). But what a delight this is. Sexy and precise. Perfect, really. Donna McKechnie is a true star.
One of the blessings of my life was and is witnessing Donna Mckechnie dance Michael Bennett. No one moves like this. Such a gift to have here solos preserved for all to see.
Like others, I thought that Donna McKechnie's performance of Tick Tock was lost to the ages, and that I would never have the chance to see her do this. How wonderful to see the original choreography, and see Ms. McKechnie dance it so brilliantly. What a treasure, to see a performer knock it out so beautifully, so many years after the original. And how true that the passion and wisdom of age only adds to the power and impact of the dance. Thank you thank you for posting this. What a joy.
It has to be said that Donna McKechnie must be the greatest female musical theatre dance we ever had. Even here -- 20+ years later, it's more captivating than any dancer seen on Broadway in decades. I also think she's a stronger dancer overall than Gwen Verdon. Wouldn't you kill to see this in 1971 on that set?
I saw her in the show originally, and whenever I saw her dance at any time, it was singularly thrilling and so filled with dramatic expression. Love her forever!!
There isn't a handful of dancers like Donna Mckechnie who at a certain age (50's) still has the power and performance of a 25 year old. She is still Broadway's dancing icon who lived to dance!
Betsy Haug had all that and more in her 50s. But why is Bennett's choreography for Donna so repetitive? He limits her to breakdowns, arm circles, preparations, semi-layouts, contractions. I bet she can do far more than that.
@@nonenoneonenonenone You know... I got interested. The thing with this clip is that it was taken from a one-off concert. There's no scenery or whatnot, and Donna was invited as one originating Cathy 23 years earlier. Back then the scene was elevator and she was dancing in it up and down 2-3 "floors", then taking the stairs before reaching centrestage. She had plenty of room for dance. Now, 51, with no room to dance and no one actually else did during those three concert performances, it was more about her showcasing her than doing the entire choreography.
I met her once through a friend and was speechless. I saw her in PROMISES PROMISES, C0MPANY, ANNIE WARBUCKS (I met her after that show), I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER...(in Chicago), FOLLIES (NJ), snd more. Thanks for uploading this clip.
I love this song, think it is a fantastic piece! And makes sense as to why so many people who have played Kathy have played Cassie in Chorus Line. For someone who is very prudish about sex scenes in shows and films, I think this was a fantastic idea, cover it up with a ballet routine that pretty much represents what is going on without audience members having to sit through it haha! It sounds like the music for the tornado ballet in the wiz.
I read a book about Michael Bennett some 20+ years ago and he had originally envisioned this as a topless number, but Donna said that she thought it would cheapen it. This is the first time I've seen it, and she's right.
I had heard,at the time this(the Concert reunion performance) was done, that it was videotaped for PBS, but that it never aired. obviously this tape is not professionally done. What I meant was, does any more of the show exist, other than Ladies? I"d love to see Beth doing Not Getting Married....and this is fabulous to even have this....Thanks for uploading.
Too difficult. This and Turkey Lurkey does not suit modern day Health&Safety. Lol Or it's just there are no that good dancers any longer. TicToc in the latest revival is a slow, slow moment, ugh.
Right - you can only watch it, you have to say you're doing it as a research project. I think most shows now are properly documented..But in those days I guess they just took stuff like that for granted. Looking around You Tube more, I see that there are lots of performances from the Tony's. There's a great number Turkey Lurkey from Promises Promises with Donna McKechnie - and another posting with Seth Rudetsky analyzing it - its fantastic. Seth is a HOOT!
So much like what she and Michael Bennett put together for Cassie in a chorus line 6 years later. Read somewhere that most of this was donna’s choreography. Truth?
I just want to correct what M. Jerry Alicea Jr. said... that is not correct, Company was from 1970 and A Chorus Line opened in 1975. He didn't design this number for fans of Donna as Cassie, this came 5 years before Cassie - besides that Donna, then a Tony winning star wouldn't have been doing a featured dancer role after Chorus Line. This number was choreographed for Company specifically, and Donna was his muse/featured dancer, like she was in so many of Bennett's shows.
Not to mention Turkey-Lurkey Time, and these steps were used by David Winters in Hullaballoo, along with other choreographers using pop dance and music.
Bobby brings home a flight attendant, while they are in bed Donna dances. The original show is available on video at the performing arts library in New York. It's pretty ghastly -bad sound, blurry - what a shame. They were incredibly negligent in those days not to capture this magic on film -when they most certainly had the technology to do so. There should be a law stating that a show has to be documented before it can open - like a building permit!
Yes, you are absolutely right.. Donna had just done "ACL" and Michael wanted to keep her working. She was so brilliant as Cassie, that he wanted and needed a dance number that fans of Donna's would embrace, thus this choreography. I love Donna and miss Micheal. He was brilliant and I loved dancing in Promises, Promises - especially Turkey Lurkey Time.
I am correct that this is a concert version of what I saw in Promises Promises in 1971 with Donna on scaffolding about the bed where the main story is going on? It WAS a long time ago....
Actually, this isn't a question to you, rodanvideo-it's for Norina1982, who had the 2006 clips on her channel before they got taken down. This video and another video were the only ones that still worked on the playlist. The only reason I am asking here is because Norina1982's comments are not working. If you can find a way to Norina1982's comments, post my question please. I really want to know what happened to Company.
This number was danced on an elevator that moved up and down in the original production, set design by Boris Aronson. At the beginning of the show, the curtain rose on Plexiglas, steel and mirrors. I was awestruck. Company was my first Broadway show and I had great seats - fourth row orchestra, at the Alvin Theater, now renamed. I have admired Donna McKechnie's dancing always. She is stupendous here, energetic and emotional. A woman rich with talent and expression in dance. She's the top! Shame there is not enough of her on film for us to enjoy.
@laurence Esposito - I can almost see the sets from your description. Company was the first show I listened to over and over again on LP - still have it. I saw this video for the first time today and although the songs and performances are heavenly listenable and biting, this TikTok dance put in by the creative team and executed by Donna sets the tone and creates enormous anticipation. Must be a very very special memory.
one of the best.
love to see the original play :)
Like the previous poster, I never thought I'd see the original Tick Tock dance (the OBC album liner notes make it seem like it's forever lost to history). But what a delight this is. Sexy and precise. Perfect, really. Donna McKechnie is a true star.
Signature Donna. So much neck action.
One of the blessings of my life was and is witnessing Donna Mckechnie dance Michael Bennett. No one moves like this. Such a gift to have here solos preserved for all to see.
Like others, I thought that Donna McKechnie's performance of Tick Tock was lost to the ages, and that I would never have the chance to see her do this. How wonderful to see the original choreography, and see Ms. McKechnie dance it so brilliantly. What a treasure, to see a performer knock it out so beautifully, so many years after the original. And how true that the passion and wisdom of age only adds to the power and impact of the dance. Thank you thank you for posting this. What a joy.
ARE YOU KIDDING? Im speechless. That was nothing short of technical brilliance. What a talent. Gotta love her
Donna McKechnie is one of the most brilliant dancers!! I love her so much
It has to be said that Donna McKechnie must be the greatest female musical theatre dance we ever had. Even here -- 20+ years later, it's more captivating than any dancer seen on Broadway in decades. I also think she's a stronger dancer overall than Gwen Verdon.
Wouldn't you kill to see this in 1971 on that set?
I saw her in the show originally, and whenever I saw her dance at any time, it was singularly thrilling and so filled with dramatic expression. Love her forever!!
What I would give to watch Donna perform this, Turkey Lurkey Time and Music and the Mirror in her prime 😖
shes more than brilliant, she truly is a goddess.
I just read this section in her biography and went to look if it was uploaded. THANK GOD. Miss McKechnie, you are my dance idol.
Donna McKechnie and Michael Bennett were amazing dancers!
This is INCREDIBLE. Just let me know where to send my first born!!! :-)
There isn't a handful of dancers like Donna Mckechnie who at a certain age (50's) still has the power and performance of a 25 year old. She is still Broadway's dancing icon who lived to dance!
Betsy Haug had all that and more in her 50s. But why is Bennett's choreography for Donna so repetitive? He limits her to breakdowns, arm circles, preparations, semi-layouts, contractions. I bet she can do far more than that.
@@nonenoneonenonenone Yeah, noticed that, too! Way too many similarities with Turkey Lurkey and The Mirror...
@@nonenoneonenonenone You know... I got interested. The thing with this clip is that it was taken from a one-off concert. There's no scenery or whatnot, and Donna was invited as one originating Cathy 23 years earlier. Back then the scene was elevator and she was dancing in it up and down 2-3 "floors", then taking the stairs before reaching centrestage. She had plenty of room for dance. Now, 51, with no room to dance and no one actually else did during those three concert performances, it was more about her showcasing her than doing the entire choreography.
20 years later I still remember how amazing she danced and that amazing dress!
I met her once through a friend and was speechless. I saw her in PROMISES PROMISES, C0MPANY, ANNIE WARBUCKS (I met her after that show), I'M GETTING MY ACT TOGETHER...(in Chicago), FOLLIES (NJ), snd more. Thanks for uploading this clip.
her arms are brilliant
Too many dancers undervalue their arms, and their fingers in particular.
nobody could do like she does
I went to that night!!It was great! thanks for posting!
Brava! Only one Donna!
Amazing.
What an expression, huh? pain and relief.
I love this song, think it is a fantastic piece! And makes sense as to why so many people who have played Kathy have played Cassie in Chorus Line. For someone who is very prudish about sex scenes in shows and films, I think this was a fantastic idea, cover it up with a ballet routine that pretty much represents what is going on without audience members having to sit through it haha! It sounds like the music for the tornado ballet in the wiz.
I read a book about Michael Bennett some 20+ years ago and he had originally envisioned this as a topless number, but Donna said that she thought it would cheapen it. This is the first time I've seen it, and she's right.
I think her autobiography has pictures of the two-piece getup she wore in previews which was then changed to a one-piece nightgown.
BRILLIANT :)
BRAVA!!!!!!!
WOW. I thought this was on of those dances lost to the ages. She's the hottest thing ever to come out of Pontiac, Michigan.
In reply to actressgrl (6 years ago), Donna McKechnie played Kathy.
I had heard,at the time this(the Concert reunion performance) was done, that it was videotaped for PBS, but that it never aired. obviously this tape is not professionally done. What I meant was, does any more of the show exist, other than Ladies? I"d love to see Beth doing Not Getting Married....and this is fabulous to even have this....Thanks for uploading.
can you imagine what that must have looked like in the original? wow!
Why has this been cut from revivals? This piece still gives me chills almost 50 years later...
Too difficult. This and Turkey Lurkey does not suit modern day Health&Safety. Lol Or it's just there are no that good dancers any longer. TicToc in the latest revival is a slow, slow moment, ugh.
Easy. Because NO ONE can dance this number like Donna.
Right - you can only watch it, you have to say you're doing it as a research project. I think most shows now are properly documented..But in those days I guess they just took stuff like that for granted.
Looking around You Tube more, I see that there are lots of performances from the Tony's.
There's a great number Turkey Lurkey from Promises Promises with Donna McKechnie - and another posting with Seth Rudetsky analyzing it - its fantastic.
Seth is a HOOT!
This was like Contact before Rent ever happened, but waaaaaaaaay better
So much like what she and Michael Bennett put together for Cassie in a chorus line 6 years later. Read somewhere that most of this was donna’s choreography. Truth?
@orchestralmagician Actually, it's the other way around. Company was produced in 1970, long before A Chorus Line was.
I just want to correct what M. Jerry Alicea Jr. said... that is not correct, Company was from 1970 and A Chorus Line opened in 1975. He didn't design this number for fans of Donna as Cassie, this came 5 years before Cassie - besides that Donna, then a Tony winning star wouldn't have been doing a featured dancer role after Chorus Line. This number was choreographed for Company specifically, and Donna was his muse/featured dancer, like she was in so many of Bennett's shows.
But you are correct in noticing that there are quite a few steps from Tick Tock that were reused for Music and the Mirror.
Plus, he took Company only if he could bring Donna with him.
Not to mention Turkey-Lurkey Time, and these steps were used by David Winters in Hullaballoo, along with other choreographers using pop dance and music.
Bobby brings home a flight attendant, while they are in bed Donna dances.
The original show is available on video at the performing arts library in New York.
It's pretty ghastly -bad sound, blurry - what a shame. They were incredibly negligent in those days not to capture this magic on film -when they most certainly had the technology to do so.
There should be a law stating that a show has to be documented before it can open - like a building permit!
@orchestralmagician she also does a move from CL at about 1:20 or so.
She should have been the heir to Gwen Verdon's throne...
Yes, you are absolutely right.. Donna had just done "ACL" and Michael wanted to keep her working. She was so brilliant as Cassie, that he wanted and needed a dance number that fans of Donna's would embrace, thus this choreography. I love Donna and miss Micheal. He was brilliant and I loved dancing in Promises, Promises - especially Turkey Lurkey Time.
RIP Michael Bennett...
@bertiejr but its a re-creation of the 1970 number' and Michael Bennett's work from that show- not Chorus Line
I am correct that this is a concert version of what I saw in Promises Promises in 1971 with Donna on scaffolding about the bed where the main story is going on? It WAS a long time ago....
Dana Cox this is from company !!
@evans54 but this particular concert was done after CL.
And choreographed by Michael Bennett
wasn't this supposed to air on PBS? What happened and where is the rest of it?
Actually, this isn't a question to you, rodanvideo-it's for Norina1982, who had the 2006 clips on her channel before they got taken down. This video and another video were the only ones that still worked on the playlist. The only reason I am asking here is because Norina1982's comments are not working. If you can find a way to Norina1982's comments, post my question please. I really want to know what happened to Company.
Hey, why were the videos for the 2006 version of company removed from your playlist?
Company was 1970 or so and Chorus Line 1975 so could not be an homage to Chorus Line
Naturally, it's the reverse...Chorus Line is the homage...listen to the music..the orchestration in ACL mimics Tunick's brilliance...
You really don't see dancers today use their arms like that, or even as much as that
Dana, same dance, but you're thinking of Company not Promises, Promises.
Great to see, but the tempo is deadly. Were they passing out Ambien to the orchestra?
the worse thing you could do is cut this ballet!!!
It is replaced by a slow, moody sequence representing Bobbie's nightmares in the current staging.