Released 1975 (1975) Lyricist(s) Edward Kleban | Composer(s) Marvin Hamlisch | |
" At the Ballet" is a song from the musical A Chorus Line.
Contents
Production
Changed for Good: A Feminist History of the Broadway Musical noted:
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" is a poignant tribute to the escape Sheila, Bebe, and Maggie found in the beauty of ballet."
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".
Critical reception
AussieTheatre.com described it as a "poignant song".