Legendary dancer Donna McKechnie joined us at the Broadway Teachers Workshop where she regaled the audience with stories about everything from the development of A Chorus Line, to her work with such acclaimed choreographers as Bob Fosse and Michael Bennett.
Donna McKechnie
Donna received a Tony Award for her performance in A Chorus Line. Other Broadway: How to Succeed…; The Education of Hyman Kaplan; Promises, Promises; Company; Sondheim: A Musical Tribute (actor and choreographer); On the Town; State Fair (Fred Astaire Award); The Visit.
Date of Birth: November 16, 1942 (83)
Birth Place: Pontiac, MI, USA
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BIO
Donna received a Tony Award for her performance in A Chorus Line. Other Broadway: How to Succeed…; The Education of Hyman Kaplan; Promises, Promises; Company; Sondheim: A Musical Tribute (actor and choreographer); On the Town; State Fair (Fred Astaire Award); The Visit. Bob Fosse invited Donna to play the lead in his last production, the National tour of Sweet Charity (Helen Hayes nom). She has starred in and choreographed numerous productions regionally and productions in London’s West End, Paris and Tokyo. TV: “Hullaballoo”, “Fame”, “Cheers”, “Dark Shadows” and HBO Specials. Film: The Little Prince, Every Little Step. Donna’s memoir, “Time Steps – My Musical Comedy Life” was published by Simon and Schuster. In 2019 Donna was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame. She couldn’t be happier to join this Wicked family!
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2009
Performer [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Broadway Transfer, 1975
Cassie Ferguson [Replacement], Cassie Ferguson [Replacement], Cassie Ferguson
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1961
Dancer
Productions
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Donna McKechnie
Connection
Awards and Nominations
Helen Hayes Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production
Donna McKechnie, Sweet Charity
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Actress - Musical
Donna McKechnie, A Chorus Line
Videos
Video: Richard Jay-Alexander Celebrates 50 Years in the Broadway Business
by Robert Diamond - 2026-04-03 13:00:22
Video: Inside the A CHORUS LINE 50 Concert With Donna McKechnie, Robyn Hurder & More
by Michael Major - 2025-07-28 09:55:46
Exclusive: Music, Mirrors & Memories- 4 Cassies Reflect on One of Broadway's Greatest Roles
by Joey Mervis - 2025-07-26 18:00:20
Video: Baayork Lee & Donna McKechnie Are Carrying the A CHORUS LINE Torch 50 Years Later
by Joey Mervis - 2025-06-16 15:42:50
Video: WICKED Cast Honors Donna McKechnie With A CHORUS LINE Performance & More
by Michael Major - 2024-10-10 11:09:52
Video: Rewatch Phil Donahue's A CHORUS LINE Original Cast Reunion Special
by Michael Major - 2024-08-19 15:17:14
Video: Watch Highlights from BroadwayWorld's 20th Anniversary Concert Celebration at Sony Hall
by Robert Diamond - 2023-07-27 15:46:27
News
Review: Lauren Marcus A Tonic In THE DRUGSTORE RESIDENCY at The Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 22, 2026
She is as fascinating as she is original, and The Beechman has her for one night every month... thank goodness.
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 22, 2026
She is as fascinating as she is original, and The Beechman has her for one night every month... thank goodness.
Photos: Karen Mason Celebrates CD Release At Birdland
by Marissa Faith Curley - Oct 11, 2026
Broadway and cabaret favorite Karen Mason celebrated the release of her tenth solo album, Birthday Bash at Birdland, with a concert at Birdland. Check out the photos!
by Marissa Faith Curley - Oct 11, 2026
Broadway and cabaret favorite Karen Mason celebrated the release of her tenth solo album, Birthday Bash at Birdland, with a concert at Birdland. Check out the photos!
Gingold Theatrical Group to Honor Dr. Mary L. Trump at Holiday Gala
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2026
Gingold Theatrical Group will present its Golden Shamrock Award to liberal activist and clinical psychologist Dr. Mary L. Trump at a gala dinner featuring performances and fundraising for the Off-Broadway company's Shaw-focused programming.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 1, 2026
Gingold Theatrical Group will present its Golden Shamrock Award to liberal activist and clinical psychologist Dr. Mary L. Trump at a gala dinner featuring performances and fundraising for the Off-Broadway company's Shaw-focused programming.
When Broadway Musicals Are Reimagined- A Complete History
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 4, 2026
The discourse surrounding reasons for reviving musicals on Broadway is a relatively recent phenomenon. These days, if a show is announced for a revival, a sentence that often follows is: “Why are they reviving it?”
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 4, 2026
The discourse surrounding reasons for reviving musicals on Broadway is a relatively recent phenomenon. These days, if a show is announced for a revival, a sentence that often follows is: “Why are they reviving it?”
Stephanie Pope And Vicki Lewis to Join BROADWAY BARFLY LIVE! At Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2026
Stephanie Pope and Vicki Lewis will guest star in separate performances of BROADWAY BARFLY LIVE!, a cabaret show celebrating Broadway nightlife and classic cocktails at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2026
Stephanie Pope and Vicki Lewis will guest star in separate performances of BROADWAY BARFLY LIVE!, a cabaret show celebrating Broadway nightlife and classic cocktails at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City.
Donna McKechnie to Bring A MUSICAL MEMOIR to Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2026
Tony winner Donna McKechnie will close out the third season of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea with a solo show at LTV Studios in Wainscott, tracing her Broadway career through stories and song.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 26, 2026
Tony winner Donna McKechnie will close out the third season of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea with a solo show at LTV Studios in Wainscott, tracing her Broadway career through stories and song.
Donna McKechnie Will Bring A MUSICAL MEMOIR to East Hampton's LTV Studios
by Stephi Wild - Aug 24, 2026
Donna McKechnie will star in A MUSICAL MEMOIR as the season finale of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea series at LTV Studios, with Ian Herman on piano.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 24, 2026
Donna McKechnie will star in A MUSICAL MEMOIR as the season finale of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea series at LTV Studios, with Ian Herman on piano.
Photos: THE LOST BOYS Tony-Winner Ali Louis Bourzgui Visits Students at Broadway Artists Alliance
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 12, 2026
Tony Award winner Ali Louis Bourzgui visited students at NYC's Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A about originating the role of David in THE LOST BOYS and his journey as a performer.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 12, 2026
Tony Award winner Ali Louis Bourzgui visited students at NYC's Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A about originating the role of David in THE LOST BOYS and his journey as a performer.
KT Sullivan, Christine Pedi, and More Will Bring HEY, OLD FRIEND! to East Hampton
by Stephi Wild - Aug 11, 2026
KT Sullivan, artistic director of the Mabel Mercer Foundation, will return to East Hampton with Mark Nadler with Hey, Old Friend! A Cabaret Jubilee. Learn more here.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 11, 2026
KT Sullivan, artistic director of the Mabel Mercer Foundation, will return to East Hampton with Mark Nadler with Hey, Old Friend! A Cabaret Jubilee. Learn more here.
BLAME IT ON MY YOUTH to Return for Encores with Jeff Harnar at Don't Tell Mama
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 5, 2026
Jeff Harnar will bring back BLAME IT ON MY YOUTH for two encore performances at Don't Tell Mama, reuniting with longtime music director Alex Rybeck for songs from their decades-long partnership.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 5, 2026
Jeff Harnar will bring back BLAME IT ON MY YOUTH for two encore performances at Don't Tell Mama, reuniting with longtime music director Alex Rybeck for songs from their decades-long partnership.
Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano to Bring Songbook Show to the Hamptons
by Joshua Wright - Jul 30, 2026
Cabaret duo Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano will perform a summer songbook program in the Hamptons, offering an evening of classic American song.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 30, 2026
Cabaret duo Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano will perform a summer songbook program in the Hamptons, offering an evening of classic American song.
Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano Will Bring A SWELL-EGANT, ELEGANT PARTY to LTV Studios
by Stephi Wild - Jul 28, 2026
Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano will perform Broadway standards with host Laurence Maslon at LTV Studios in East Hampton as part of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 28, 2026
Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano will perform Broadway standards with host Laurence Maslon at LTV Studios in East Hampton as part of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series.
Photos: SCHMIGADOON! Star Alex Brightman Visits With Young Performers at Broadway Artists Alliance
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 24, 2026
Two-time Tony nominee Alex Brightman, currently starring in SCHMIGADOON! on Broadway, visited Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A with students, sharing lessons on rejection, vocal health, and defining personal success. Check out photos of his visit.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 24, 2026
Two-time Tony nominee Alex Brightman, currently starring in SCHMIGADOON! on Broadway, visited Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A with students, sharing lessons on rejection, vocal health, and defining personal success. Check out photos of his visit.
BEYOND BLUE MOON to Play Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea with Garcia & Abous
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 22, 2026
Eric Yves Garcia and Maria Abous perform 'Beyond Blue Moon — And Before the Broken Hart' at LTV Studios in Wainscott, celebrating Lorenz Hart's partnership with Richard Rodgers through classics like 'My Funny Valentine' and 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.'
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 22, 2026
Eric Yves Garcia and Maria Abous perform 'Beyond Blue Moon — And Before the Broken Hart' at LTV Studios in Wainscott, celebrating Lorenz Hart's partnership with Richard Rodgers through classics like 'My Funny Valentine' and 'Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.'
Eric Yves Garcia And Maria Abous Go ‘Beyond Blue Moon’ At Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea
by Joshua Wright - Jul 21, 2026
Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea, the live concert series bringing leading Broadway, cabaret and American Songbook performers to the East End, continues its third season with Eric Yves Garcia and Maria Abous performing 'Beyond Blue Moon — And Before the Broken Hart' at LTV Studios in Wainscott on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at 7:30pm.
by Joshua Wright - Jul 21, 2026
Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea, the live concert series bringing leading Broadway, cabaret and American Songbook performers to the East End, continues its third season with Eric Yves Garcia and Maria Abous performing 'Beyond Blue Moon — And Before the Broken Hart' at LTV Studios in Wainscott on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at 7:30pm.
Review: KT Sullivan K.O.'s I'M GLAD I'M NOT YOUNG ANYMORE at The Laurie Beechman Theatre
by Stephen Mosher - Jul 24, 2026
The Lady knows cabaret and the proof is in the performance.
by Stephen Mosher - Jul 24, 2026
The Lady knows cabaret and the proof is in the performance.
BEYOND BLUE MOON (AND BEFORE THE BROKEN HEART) To Play Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea
by Marissa Faith Curley - Jul 19, 2026
NYC cabaret veterans Eric Yves Garcia and Maria Abous will perform a night of Rodgers and Hart songs at LTV Studios in Wainscott, NY, as part of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series.
by Marissa Faith Curley - Jul 19, 2026
NYC cabaret veterans Eric Yves Garcia and Maria Abous will perform a night of Rodgers and Hart songs at LTV Studios in Wainscott, NY, as part of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series.
DREAMING OF A SONG: THE MUSIC OF HOAGY CARMICHAEL to Play Hamptons Summer Songbook
by Stephi Wild - Jul 13, 2026
Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch will bring their critically acclaimed show celebrating Hoagy Carmichael's songbook to LTV Studios in Wainscott, NY, as part of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 13, 2026
Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch will bring their critically acclaimed show celebrating Hoagy Carmichael's songbook to LTV Studios in Wainscott, NY, as part of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series.
Photos: Donna McKechnie and Malik Nabers Visit SCHMIGADOON! on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Jul 8, 2026
Two stars visited the cast of Schmigadoon! on Broadway: dance legend Donna McKechnie and New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers. See photos from their visit!
by Bruce Glikas - Jul 8, 2026
Two stars visited the cast of Schmigadoon! on Broadway: dance legend Donna McKechnie and New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers. See photos from their visit!
ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY: HERE'S TO LIFE to Play Hamptons Summer Songbook By The Sea
by Stephi Wild - Jul 6, 2026
Tony-nominated singer Ann Hampton Callaway will bring HERE'S TO LIFE to LTV Studios in East Hampton as part of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series, performing songs by Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, and her own originals.
by Stephi Wild - Jul 6, 2026
Tony-nominated singer Ann Hampton Callaway will bring HERE'S TO LIFE to LTV Studios in East Hampton as part of the Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series, performing songs by Harold Arlen, Cole Porter, and her own originals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Donna McKechnie been in?
Donna McKechnie has appeared on Broadway in 11 shows.
How many West End shows has Donna McKechnie been in?
Donna McKechnie has appeared on London's West End in 5 shows.
What was Donna McKechnie's first West End show?
Donna McKechnie's first West End show was Promises, Promises which opened in 1969
What awards has Donna McKechnie been nominated for?
Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Sweet Charity and Outstanding Actress - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for A Chorus Line.
What awards has Donna McKechnie won?
Donna McKechnie won the Outstanding Actress - Musical award at the Drama Desk Awards for A Chorus Line.
Podcasts
Episode 47: Donna McKechnie: If You’re Allowed To Make Mistakes, You Can Learn
On this week’s show Jennifer, Jamie and Rob sit down with legendary dancer, singer, actor, choreographer, and all around show stopper, Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie.
#193 DONNA MCKECHNIE, Tony Award Winning Actress
SHOWS: A Chorus Line, Company, Promises, Promises The one and only Tony Award winner Donna McKechnie, star of A Chorus Line, sits down with Rob and Kevin to look back on her incredible career which started with How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and then went to The Education of Hyman Kaplan, Promises, Promises, Company, On the Town, A Chorus Line, State Fair, and The Visit!
Episode 106: Half Time at Paper Mill gets Broadwaysted!
Play along as Bryan, Kevin, and Kimberly share interview clips from Paper Mill Playhouse's opening night of the new musical Half Time! Jerry Mitchell, Donna McKechnie, Georgia Engel, Nancy Ticotin, and Mark S Hobee chat in between Flor de Caña rum, broadway talk, theatre games, bad puns, and Montelobos mezcal.
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