How Michael Bennett and Broadway Celebrated Donna McKechnie

In October 1971, Dance Magazine profiled Donna McKechnie, detailing her rise as a standout performer in Broadway musicals including Promises, Promises and Company, dancemagazine.com reported.

Profile Depicts McKechnie as Choreographer Michael Bennett Secret Weapon

Writer Craig Zadan profiled McKechnie in the October 1971 issue of Dance Magazine, declaring her both choreographer Michael Bennett’s and Broadway’s secret weapon. Zadan stated that her dynamic burst of talent stops dead every show in which she appears.

Before the profile was published, McKechnie drew notice in the Turkey Lurkey number in the 1968 musical Promises, Promises on Broadway and the West End. She then returned to New York City to star as Kathy in Stephen Sondheim’s Company, where Bennett choreographed a standout dance sequence for her in the song Tick-Tock.

Donna’s the most beautiful dancer I’ve ever seen. Solo dances, as most choreographers know, are impossible to do. To build that excitement so that the end of the number is more exciting than the rest of the number, and she’s really the only one I know who can pull it off.

Michael Bennett

Tony Award Win and Later Broadway Career

Bennett’s assessment of McKechnie preceded her work in A Chorus Line, where she originated the role of Cassie and performed the iconic solo The Music and the Mirror. McKechnie won a Tony Award for her performance in 1976.

At the time of the 1971 profile, McKechnie stood on the cusp of her leading-lady debut in Ron Field’s revival of On the Town. Bennett offered high praise for her talents, stating that Jerry had Chita and Bob had Gwen while expressing happiness that Donna was his.

Now in her 80s, McKechnie maintains an active performance schedule on the stage. She recently completed a yearlong stint as Madame Morrible in the Broadway production of Wicked.