Susan Granger’s review of “Every Little Step” (Sony Pictures Classics)
This documentary by James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo attempts not only to be the behind-the-scenes story of how the revival of the Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” was re-cast in 2006 but also a semi-biography of the late Michael Bennett, the inspired director/choreographer who built the original story around audiotapes of 22 young singers and dancers candidly talking about their lives and aspirations.
With music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban, and a compelling book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, “A Chorus Line” originally opened in 1975 and went on to set a record for the longest-running musical in Broadway history – a title it lost in 1997, when “Cats” eclipsed its run.
Obviously, some of the 3,000 “gypsies” (as the dancers call themselves) who audition this time ‘round are better than others, like Jason Tam who absolutely nails Paul’s character-defining monologue about his coming out as a gay man and his parents’ reaction, Deidre Goodwin’s Sheila and Charlottee D’Amboise’s Cassie. Thankfully, it’s only the most promising handful of contestants who are profiled in detail, particularly dance captain Baayork Lee’s preference for one particular performer to recreate the role of Connie which she originated.
But in recent years, reality TV shows like “American Idol” and “Dancing With the Stars” have explored similar emotional terrain in our contemporary socio-culture, so veteran choreographer/director Bob Avian’s artistic decisions lack the poignant punch they once could have had, as do the participants’ heartfelt “I got it!” or “I didn’t get it” reactions.
The filmmakers shot some 500 hours of footage at the casting calls and callbacks which they intercut with archival footage, including Donna McKechnie’s incomparable “The Music and the Mirror” as the original Cassie, and contemporary interviews, including composer Marvin Hamlish.
On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Every Little Step” is a stage-struck, sentimental 7, showing what these earnest, passionate performers still do for love. Or, you could just watch the first five minutes of Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz.”
