Sneak preview of EVERY LITTLE STEP

• by Raphaela Neihausen, April 16, 2009

Earlier this week, I enjoyed a special sneak preview of EVERY LITTLE STEP at the Paris Theater.  Although I saw this film last fall when it had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, there was something quite magical about seeing it again in New York.  Sitting in the audience were many notable figures connected to the show - including the brother of Michael Bennett (who conceived and choreographed the original show), Bob Avian (original co-choreographer), John Breglio (producer), Donna McKechnie (original “Cassie”), Marvin Hamlisch (wrote the score), Baayork Lee (who created the role of Connie and served as Bennett’s assistant choreographer), Jessica Lee Goldyn (revival cast - Val), Deidre Goodwin (revival cast - Sheila), Yuka Takara (revival cast - Connie) and many others. During the Q&A, Bennett’s sibling thanked the filmmakers for “so lovingly conjuring the spirit of my brother.”  John Breglio added that “the documentary memorializes the essence of what Michael would have wanted,” elaborating that “after we saw this film, we knew we had found the new theatrical version of A Chorus Line.” 

When introducing the film, director James D. Stern recalled how as a teenager he saw Donna perform in “A Chorus Line” on its fifth performance and it changed his life. “It was a theatrical tsunami.”  He went on to say “there are many shows I’ve produced in addition to the ones we’ve directed and none are more personal or special to me than this film.”  After sitting through an electrifying screening, I understand why. 

Click here for the New York Times article about the film.

The film opens in theaters tomorrow, Friday April 17 - visit the official website for more info. 

Director James D. Stern with his brother Todd (recently named Special Envoy in Charge of Climate Change in the Obama administration)

Director Adam Del Deo with Donna McKechnie (the original “Cassie”)

L to R: The “three Connies” - the original Baayork Lee, and the two finalists in the film J. Elaine Marcos and Yuka Takara.

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