Documentary pays tribute to 'A Chorus Line'

Before American Idol, before Fame, there was A Chorus Line, the original reality show.

Inspired by the confessions and insights of real-life Broadway "gypsies," the 1975 stage sensation became, at the time, the longest-running American musical - collecting nine Tonys, a Pulitzer, and immortality along the way.

The exuberant documentary Every Little Step revisits the genesis of the landmark show about the gestation and delivery of a Broadway musical. It intercuts footage from the original production with the saga of about 3,000 dancers who auditioned for 19 spots in the 2006 revival. It's a mirrored labyrinth, this chronicle of dancers auditioning for roles in a musical about dancers auditioning for roles in a musical.

While the unassuming film from James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo pays tribute to the late Michael Bennett, the show's original director, his is only one in the resonant chorus of voices and dancers sharing the hopes, fears, and moves that moved millions.

There are electrifying performances from chorus liners past (sylphlike Donna McKechnie, who originated the part of Cassie) and present (Jason Tam). Just as galvanic are reminiscences from composer Marvin Hamlisch, dancer Baayork Lee (Connie in the original cast), and, especially, choreographer-turned-director Bob Avian, who sets the film's emotional tone of bottomless empathy and enthusiasm.

Do you need to have seen A Chorus Line to understand or enjoy Every Little Step? I think not. This companion piece to one of America's most beloved musicals is about human longings and shortfalls - universals that make it accessible to anyone who needs a job, needs to dance, needs to ply a trade.

Every Little Step *** (out of four stars)

Directed by Adam De Deo and James R. Stern. With Bob Avian, Michael Bennett, Donna McKechnie, and Marvin Hamlisch. Distributed by Endgame Entertainment.

Running time: 1 hour, 36 mins.

Parent's guide: PG-13 (sexual references, language).

Showing at: Ritz Five and Showcase at the Ritz Center/NJ.

Contact movie critic Carrie Rickey

at 215-854-5402 or crickey@phillynews.com. Read her blog, "Flickgrrl," at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/

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