Every Little Step DVD with Bob Avian, Michael Bennett, Kelly Bishop (PG-13) +Movie Reviews

Art imitates life imitates art

Daniel B. Clendenin | www.journeywithjesus.net | 05/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"About half way through this film I wondered to myself if the audience would clap when it was over. They did, and it was a spontaneous and well-deserved conclusion. I'm betting Every Little Step will earn awards for Best Documentary of the year. The film begins as a retrospective about the original Broadway musical A Chorus Line, which debuted in 1975 and after 6,137 performances became the longest-running musical ever. Archival material and interviews with members of the original production take you back thirty years to the show's simple premise, which centered on the deeply human stories of seventeen performers. The documentary then turns to the 2006 Broadway revival of the original musical, and takes you backstage to follow the stories of the dancers who auditioned for the fifteen or so spots. It begins with an open call that drew 3,000 artists, and proceeds through several call backs until the cast is finalized. Many are called but only a tiny few are chosen for the coveted opportunity."

More than entertainment.

Infrequent reviewer | Chicago, IL USA | 05/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I awaited this film and, as one of the hundreds of very lucky ex-dancers who once had the thrill of working "ACL", though a long time ago, this brought back so very much of a life almost forgotten by having left to "grow up" and enter the real world. A Chorus Line was the pinnacle of a career for many of us who had the honor and distinction to be a part of it, no matter how long ago. Just as the show was like no other, so this film is absolutely like no other documentary that I have seen. It is real, it is moving, it is genuine life, whether one has ever danced, never danced but wanted to, or never even considered dancing. The film highlights the universal thirst of youth and beyond for all who have ever had a dream no matter the profession, industry, or passion. It reflects the original show itself without repeating it. Thanks Michael and Bob for giving the show--and by extension this film--to all who have ever dreamed a dream. And a special thanks as well to the original Connie, the reliable Ms. B. Lee for doing your part to keep this dream alive for so many who have followed us."

Can't wait for the DVD to come out!

DMac | California | 05/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Every Little Step" is a terrific movie. I've already seen it twice in the theater and I'm looking forward to a DVD ASAP :-D

A documentary about dancers auditioning for the revival of the musical about dancers auditioning for a musical?...it sounds insular but it's not. There is a universal appeal in following the hopeful young performers who aspire against tough odds and thousands of other dancers to land a role in A Chorus Line.

I'm a sucker for competition-type stories, and I remember seeing A Chorus Line on Broadway, so I found it fascinating to see how it all began and follow the intense, complex process of bringing a production to life.

You don't have to love musicals or dancing to enjoy this documentary. But if you do, you'll probably find it entertaining, moving, and more suspenseful than many so-called thrillers.

"

Art and life intertwined many times over

Andy Orrock | Dallas, TX | 06/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If Man on Wire was the Academy Award winner for 2008's best documentary, then "Every Little Step" better be a shoo-in for 2009. We saw these two films back-to-back this past weekend and by my estimation, Step's co-directors Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern have created a more compelling film-going experience.

Art and life are intertwined here many times over - Michael Bennett's interviews of real chorus line dancers spawned the initial incarnation of the play, which grew quickly into a Broadway colossus winning a Tony for Bennett and ascending him to a Broadway pantheon reserved for its great heroes. Indeed, in this film Bennett is discussed in reverential tones. There are compelling, fascinating videos and interviews of Bennett discussing the creative process of putting 'A Chorus Line' Together. Most notably, the movie starts and ends with audio tapes of the original 12-hour session recorded by Bennett. In the world of theater, that's almost a sacred document.

With "Every Little Step," art and life get further intertwined - just as the original play pulled its stories from real dancers, the movie bookends that by pulling together the real stories behind the casting of the revival. It helps that some of the original players are here - co-casting director Bob Avian was a partner of Bennett's from the original production; and Baayork Lee - who does the choreography in the re-do - was not only 'Connie' in the original, she was also the inspiration of the Connie character. It's her voice, her story on Bennett's tape.

Standouts here include: Broadway royalty Charlotte d'Amboise (there's some great footage of her with her Dad, ballet legend Jaques d'Amboise) who wins the role of Cassie that was pioneered by Donna McKechnie; Yuka Takara, who wins the role of Connie despite some initial hesitancy from Lee; Rachelle Rak, compelling in _not_ getting a role (she's wonderfully articulate in describing her desperation at reaching for something that she can't remember when she asked to recreate "what you did here eight months ago"); and - most notably - Jason Tam, whose audition for the seminal role of Paul has become the stuff of Broadway legend. You'll see why here in the film's best passage. Watching Avian and his team react to Tam, it's clear that they're of the belief that spirit of Bennett has entered the room."

It makes A Chorus Line all the better

Michael D. Baker | Baltimore, MD | 10/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After wiping the tears away at the end of the film, my first thought was, "This helps erase the memory of the awful film Of A Chorus Line". Having seen the show a number of times before the film adaptation, I was ready for a permanent homage to my favorite of all Broadway shows. I could have shot the director after seeing his misinterpretation of the original show. Every Little Step is even better than a film of the show could be for those of us who love it.

We are given a look into the genesis of Michael Bennett's concept. I did not know how groundbreaking A Chorus Line was until seeing this film. I think we all know about workshopping plays and shows now, but this show was the first one. Mr. Bennett sold the concept and found several years' funding to develop the show. Everyone in the Broadway community knows how hard the life of chorus dancers is and I think was interested in seeing a show that honored them. Mr. Bennett "wrote" the show by committee. The stories are true, though the film points out that he might have done a lot better giving more credit to the contributors. The concept was so compelling that Marvin Hamlisch, then making a very good living doing Hollywood films, dropped everything and went to NYC to write the music. The story about retitling one of the songs is special.

The stories about making the show and the archival films bring back wonderful memories and give great insight to the original show and the inspiration to/for the revival. Having principals from the original show staging the new one gives us a special look at why casting for this revival was so hard to do. Most important to the director and backers was whether they should even dare to try reproducing this most perfect of all Broadway shows. Would they be able to honor the spirit of both the show and Michael Bennett? Well, I saw the show (on tour, not on Broadway) and think they did Mr. Bennett and the original cast proud.

Because the show was so personal, the selection of the cast was also very personal. Every one of the over 3000 people trying out was auditioned. There were no "resume only" cuts. Every performer was treated with the utmost respect, and well they should have been. The people trying out are exactly the same ones Michael Bennett workshopped and personally selected for his show, only a newer generation. There are descendants of the original cast. There are people who have been around a long time and are most certainly wondering if it's time to hang up their shoes. There are people with more talent than a single human ought to have. There are people who have what might seem like too much ego and some with so much modesty that you wonder how they get themselves on a stage. The creative team is often moved, as is the audience, by the auditions. There are people they want in the show and there are people who knock their socks off. Most of all, these are people who LOVE what they do and are willing to work possibly beyond their own capabilities to get a part in this show that honors their work.

It was easy for someone who loves the show like me to get quickly involved. I have friends who have not seen the show who got hooked almost as quickly as I did. Nobody I knew at the preview screening "survived" the film with dry eyes, and we all sat through to the last credit, savoring the film to the very last second. For those who have only seen the film adaptation -- just forget a lot of what you saw and who did the songs. Every Little Step gets it right. Those of you who claim to not like Broadway shows can find much to like in watching these very talented people competing for jobs which, in many cases, are the goal they've been shooting for all their careers. They work so hard and bare their souls trying to be "the one". "I really need this job" isn't just a song, it's the real thing here. Many of the people auditioning are on unemployment. And you just can't help getting involved. There was lots of applause when certain performers were selected. There was much discussion after the film about why their -- mine, too -- person wasn't chosen. For instance, I think you'll be glad to know the person who wasn't chosen for the role of Cassie has gone on to do much great featured work in the DC area. She's really good, too! Take it from someone who's seen her live.

Haven't you bought the film yet? What are you waiting for?

"

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