Film Review

By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Every Little Step
Directed by James D. Stern, Adam Del Deo
Sony Pictures 03/09 DVD/VHS Documentary
PG-13 - some strong language including sexual references

In this documentary directed by James Stern and Adam Del Deo dancers audition for a part in 2006 Broadway revival of A Chorus Line, the highly successful musical created by the late Broadway impresario Michael Bennett and Oscar-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch. The show needs 19 dancers and over 3,000 show up to compete for the parts. The committee of judges include various members of former Chorus Line productions and Bob Avian, who worked with Bennett on choreography.

This immensely entertaining documentary will appeal to anyone who is enthralled by dancing, and judging from the popularity of the dance competitions on TV, that is a large cross-cut of Americans. We appreciate the energy and discipline that goes into this art form and the hopes that animate several of the profiled performers. These dancers must also sing, and the committee is looking out for those who are able to give a distinctive interpretation to songs they have heard many times before. This behind-the-scenes look at the grueling audition process demonstrates what thick skins these women and men must develop to survive in this incredibly competitive milieu.

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Special features on the DVD include deleted scenes; a featurette "Donna McKechnie: In Conversation"; and a commentary with directors Adam Del Deo and James Stern and composer Marvin Hamlisch.

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by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat