Another "A Chorus Line" Cast Member Passes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       On August 27, Robert Lu Pone, brother of Patti, passed away, at the age of 76.  He died from a three year--and that is pretty good! --long battle with pancreatic cancer.  One of the worst.

                                       For those of a certain age, and fortunate enough to have seen the original 1975 cast, he will always be Zach in "A Chorus Line."   In my head, even sitting at a production of the show, it is his voice I hear in my head uttering the opening words, "Step, kick, kick, leap, kick, touch!"   No one was more overpowering in the role, and he deserved the TONY nomination he got.

                                        And to think he wasn't originally cast as Zach.  That went to Barry Bostwick, while Lu Pone was playing the role of Al, married to Kristine, both who perform the number, "Sing!"  When Bostwick proved unable to dance to Michael Bennett's satisfaction, Lu Pone was moved up to Zach, while Don Percassi took on originating Al.  It was a perfect blend.

                                           After this show, he seemed to go more for drama, appearing in the Anthony La Paglia revival of "A View From The Bridge," in 1997-98, and his crowning glory, I am sure he would consider, was the formation of his own theater company, MCC, in 1986, remaining its artistic director, until his death.  He was also one of NYC actors who often turned up in frequent guest appearances, on "Law And Order," while it was still a good franchise.

                                               Patti, we on here mourn the passing of your talented brother.  His achievements, and our memory of them, will live on.

                                                 Rest In Peace, Robert Lu Pone.