At the Ballet
"At the Ballet" is a song from the musical A Chorus Line.
"At the Ballet" | |
---|---|
Song | |
Released | 1975 |
Composer(s) | Marvin Hamlisch |
Lyricist(s) | Edward Kleban |
Production
Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical noted:[1]
Composer Marvin Hamlisch said that the song set the tone for all the music in the show; once the song was written, the creators understood "the shape and color of the piece as a whole".
Synopsis
The dancers explain their experiences with attending dance school, as well as family-related trauma. No matter how dark the rest of their world seems, they always feel happy and engaged "at the ballet".
Musicals101 explains "At The Ballet" as a poignant tribute to the escape Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie found in the beauty of ballet."[2]
Analysis
Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical explains: "Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie sing the same wistful melody; then their harmonies grow and build, one layering on the other".[1]
Critical reception
AussieTheatre.com described it as a "poignant song".[3]
References
- Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical - Stacy Wolf. Oxford University Press. 2011. p. 122. Retrieved 2015-07-27 – via Internet Archive.
at the ballet a chorus line.
- "A Chorus Line II by William McKay". Musicals101.com. Retrieved 2015-07-27.
- "Debora Krizak joins the Chorus Line | News". Aussietheatre.com.au. 2011-10-16. Retrieved 2015-07-27.